In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States launched military strikes in Venezuela early Saturday morning, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The operation, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, involved multiple explosions in Caracas and other regions. Eyewitnesses reported at least seven explosions around 4:30 AM local time, with low-flying aircraft observed over the capital. The U.S. Department of Defense has yet to release detailed casualty figures, but both military and civilian sites were reportedly targeted. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e?utm_source=openai))
President Donald Trump announced the operation via social media, stating that Maduro and Flores had been captured and were being transported to the United States to face charges related to narcoterrorism. In 2020, Maduro and 14 other Venezuelan officials were indicted in the Southern District of New York, accused of conspiring with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to “cause tons of cocaine to enter and devastate American communities.” ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e?utm_source=openai))
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the U.S. actions, declaring them a “flagrant violation of the UN Charter” and a threat to international peace and stability. Rodríguez also stated that the government was unaware of Maduro’s and Flores’s whereabouts and demanded proof of life. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e?utm_source=openai))
The international community has responded with mixed reactions. Russia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the U.S. operation an “act of armed aggression,” emphasizing that Venezuela should have the right to determine its own destiny without external military intervention. Conversely, some nations have expressed support for the U.S. actions, viewing them as a step toward restoring democracy in Venezuela. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e?utm_source=openai))
Domestically, the operation has sparked debate over its legality. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) expressed concerns on social media, questioning the constitutional justification for the action in the absence of a formal declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e?utm_source=openai))
This military intervention follows a series of escalating actions by the U.S. against Venezuela. In recent months, the U.S. military conducted multiple strikes on Venezuelan vessels, resulting in significant casualties. Additionally, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on several oil companies operating in Venezuela and faced criticism over the treatment of Venezuelan migrants. ([time.com](https://time.com/7342864/venezuela-caracas-strikes-trump/?utm_source=openai))
As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful, with potential implications for regional stability and international law.