BREAKING NEWS: The United States launched a large-scale military strike against Venezuela early Saturday, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This unprecedented operation was confirmed by President Donald Trump just hours after the attack, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward the South American nation.
Explosions rocked Caracas in the early hours of July 15, 2023, as U.S. forces executed a meticulously planned strike. The operation has been described by U.S. officials as a necessary response to Maduro’s alleged ties to drug trafficking and terrorism. Trump announced the news on social media at approximately 4:30 a.m. ET, stating he would hold a press conference at 11 a.m. ET for further details.
The Venezuelan government quickly condemned the attack, labeling it an “imperialist attack” and urging citizens to protest against foreign intervention. Maduro’s administration has accused the U.S. of targeting civilian and military sites, escalating tensions in the region.
The U.S. Justice Department previously indicted Maduro in 2020 on charges of narcoterrorism, alleging he transformed Venezuela into a hub for drug traffickers. The coordinated strike comes in light of these accusations, with the U.S. offering $55 million for information leading to his capture.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau celebrated the operation, declaring “the tyrant is gone,” and calling it “a new dawn for Venezuela.” His comments, made on social media shortly after the strike, underscore the U.S. administration’s commitment to removing Maduro from power.
Senator Mike Lee of Utah reported a conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated that there would be no further military action now that Maduro is in U.S. custody. Rubio has long asserted that Maduro’s regime lacks legitimacy, reinforcing U.S. claims of sovereignty over the situation.
As the world watches closely, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called an emergency national security meeting in response to the potential influx of Venezuelan refugees. He emphasized the need for a humanitarian response and condemned the U.S. action as an aggression against Venezuela’s sovereignty.
In a sharp rebuke, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. strike as an “act of armed aggression,” calling for dialogue and reaffirming its support for the Venezuelan government. Russia’s statement highlighted global concerns regarding U.S. military interventions in sovereign nations.
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for Americans in Venezuela, advising them to “shelter in place” due to the escalating violence. The embassy in Bogotá, which oversees U.S. interests in Venezuela, warned citizens against traveling to the country amid the unfolding crisis.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez expressed deep concern over Maduro’s whereabouts, demanding proof of life for both him and Flores. The uncertainty surrounding their fate adds to the already volatile situation, as citizens and global leaders alike await further developments.
This historic operation marks a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, raising questions about the future of the nation and the potential for further international repercussions. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
