- President Donald Trump confirmed a major US attack inside Venezuela, claiming that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been arrested
- Explosions and aircraft activity rocked districts of Caracas, including Santa Monica, Fuerte Tiuna, and 23 de Enero, leaving parts of the capital without electricity
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro listed many military and government sites reportedly affected by the attack
- The operation follows weeks of US pressure and anti-drug operations, including the destruction of more than 30 ships.
In the growing tension between the United States and Venezuela, the President Donald Trump he confirmed that the United States carried out a “major attack against Venezuela”.
Source: UGC
In a post shared on his Social Truth platform, Trump said that they had arrested President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The operation, Trump said, involved US law enforcement and removed the Venezuelan leader from the country.
“The United States has successfully carried out a major strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who along with his wife, have been arrested and deported. This operation was carried out in cooperation with US Law Enforcement. Details will follow. There will be a Press Conference today at 5 am, at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump said.
The outright removal of an incumbent South American leader represents a level of intervention not seen since the 1989 invasion of Panama to oust Manuel Noriega.
There was no immediate confirmation of Maduro’s capture from Venezuelan authorities. Maduro has served as president since 2013, succeeding Hugo Chávez.
Where were the target areas in Caracas?
CNN reported multiple explosions and the sounds of planes beginning at 1:50 a.m. local time.
Several districts of the capital, including Santa Monica, Fuerte Tiuna, Los Teques, 23 de Enero, and areas south of Caracas, were left without electricity.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro published a list of locations he claimed were hit during the attacks, although these reports have not been independently verified.
The locations include the La Carlota Air Base, Cuartel de la Montana in Catia, the Federal Parliament House, Fuerte Tiuna, the main military base of the nation, the airport in El Hatillo, the F-16 Base No. 3 in Barquisimeto, the private airport in Charallave, and the military helicopter base in Higuerote.
Source: UGC
The strikes followed weeks of intense pressure from Trump, who has repeatedly warned that the United States was preparing to target alleged drug-trafficking networks in Venezuela.
Previous actions included the destruction of more than 30 ships in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean in what Washington described as an anti-drug campaign.
The operation marks the first US military action inside Venezuela since a December CIA drone attack on a port facility.
The rise of Nicolas Maduro to the presidency
A former bus driver and union organizer, he rose through Venezuela’s socialist political movement, holding positions as foreign minister and vice president under Chávez.
His presidency has been marred by growing economic crises, accusations of election fraud, and ongoing conflicts with the US administration.
Maduro has repeatedly accused the United States of supporting coup attempts, sabotaging the economy, and seeking control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
His victory in the 2024 election was widely contested and was not recognized by many Western nations, including the United States.
Read ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
