UPDATE: The United States has seized control of Venezuela following the shocking capture of President Nicolas Maduro during a daring raid early this morning. In a statement from his Florida home, former President Donald Trump declared, “Now I’m running Venezuela,” signaling a dramatic shift in power after years of turmoil.
In a coordinated military operation that stunned the world, US special forces launched an assault on Maduro’s compound, Fort Tiuna, in Caracas at approximately 2 AM local time. Trump described the operation as “the greatest since World War II,” involving over 150 aircraft including bombers and reconnaissance jets.
The raid resulted in a fierce gunfight, during which Delta Force operatives engaged dozens of armed guards. They located Maduro as he attempted to flee into a panic room with his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump revealed, “He made it to the door [of the panic room], he was unable to close it,” indicating the chaotic nature of the capture.
Maduro, labeled a “narco-terrorist” by US authorities, is now facing charges related to drugs and weapons in New York. Following the capture, he was seen on board the USS Iwo Jima, wearing a blindfold and ear defenders, as he was transported for detention in Brooklyn.
“The tyrant is gone. He will now – finally – face justice for his crimes,” stated US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, heralding a “new dawn” for Venezuela.
International reactions poured in swiftly. Countries like Britain and France welcomed Maduro’s removal, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing that the Venezuelan people are “rid of Nicolas Maduro’s dictatorship.” In contrast, Russia condemned the operation as an “act of armed aggression,” while China accused the US of violating international law.
Trump’s administration plans to send American oil companies to Venezuela to repair infrastructure and bolster the economy. He stated, “We’re going to have presence in Venezuela as it pertains to oil,” hinting at potential military involvement in the region moving forward.
The operation was reportedly facilitated by a CIA informant in Caracas who tracked Maduro’s whereabouts closely, even knowing details about his pet’s diet. Special forces had practiced the raid for weeks in a replica of Maduro’s compound, ensuring a meticulous approach to the capture.
As the fallout continues to unfold, Maduro’s vice-president, Delcy Rodriguez, has assumed temporary power but quickly rejected Trump’s claims of cooperation, asserting her commitment to Maduro’s return. Meanwhile, Maduro’s supporters gathered in Caracas, vowing to resist what they termed an illegal attack.
Trump’s administration has issued stern warnings to neighboring countries, particularly Cuba and Colombia, following the raid. He emphasized that other political and military figures in Venezuela should heed the fate of Maduro, suggesting further action could be on the horizon.
With the world watching closely, the situation in Venezuela remains fluid. What happens next is critical, as the region grapples with the implications of this unprecedented military operation.
