The United States launched surprise military strikes on Venezuela, targeting key locations including La Carlota Airfield, Puerto La Cruz Military Base, and La Guaira Naval Port. Explosions and low-flying aircraft caused panic among residents, plunging several parts of Caracas into darkness. The operation, aimed at disrupting alleged drug trafficking networks, was announced early Saturday via President Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform, bypassing prior congressional approval. Venezuelan authorities described the action as an imperialist attack and urged citizens to protest in the streets.
Maduro Detained, Transported to New York
Reports indicate that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were detained during the strikes and transported to New York aboard a US military vessel. Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of their well-being, while Maduro himself claimed the US intervention was motivated by the country’s vast oil reserves, not drug control. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino condemned the operation as an imperialist aggression and called on citizens to resist foreign forces.
Global Reaction and Legal Proceedings
The US Attorney General, Pam Bondi, confirmed that Maduro would face trial in New York under “narco-terrorism” charges filed in 2020. The strikes drew mixed international reactions, with some countries condemning the US actions and others offering to mediate. Observers note that this marks the most significant US military intervention in South America since the 1989 Panama invasion, raising concerns over regional stability and Venezuelan sovereignty.