Reports emerged of explosions and military activity in Caracas, Venezuela, sparking global confusion and concern. Social media footage showed armed movements, prompting speculation about whether the events represented a limited strike or a targeted operation against President Nicolás Maduro. For a country already struggling with economic and political crises, the sudden escalation marked a significant and destabilizing moment.
Former US President Donald Trump confirmed the operation on Truth Social, claiming that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and flown out of Venezuela. Trump described the mission as coordinated with US law enforcement and promised further details at a later press conference. The announcement raised international questions about legality, precedent, and potential diplomatic consequences.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and Flores had been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and related conspiracies against the United States. The legal framing positioned him as an international criminal threat, highlighting law enforcement and national security concerns.
Bondi emphasized the operation’s success and praised US military personnel for their role in capturing two alleged international traffickers. She framed the mission as precise and justified, highlighting cooperation between law enforcement and the military. Flores’s legal status remained unclear, leaving open the possibility of additional charges.
Inside Venezuela, officials expressed alarm and defiance. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, reflecting uncertainty and outrage over the operation. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López called the action the “worst aggression” the country had faced and declared that the armed forces were fully deployed, signaling preparedness for continued confrontation.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential to reshape US-Venezuela relations and impact regional stability. International observers, diplomats, and analysts are monitoring closely, aware that the operation, legal charges, and Venezuelan military mobilization could have lasting consequences for global diplomacy and security.
