The U.S. military conducted air strikes in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro, as tensions escalate between the two nations.
The U.S. military executed air strikes across various regions of Venezuela, including the capital city of Caracas, early Saturday morning. This operation has been confirmed by officials and marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the military operation was successful, stating that Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the country.” Trump indicated that the operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement and announced a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. at Mar-a-Lago.
Witnesses reported hearing at least seven explosions in Caracas around 2 a.m. local time, with low-flying aircraft observed in the area. The Venezuelan government responded with a statement condemning the strikes, describing them as “very serious military aggression” and an act of “imperialist aggression.”
According to the Venezuelan government, the strikes impacted not only Caracas but also the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. They characterized the U.S. actions as an attempt to seize Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and to undermine the nation’s political independence.
“They will not succeed,” the statement asserted. “After more than two hundred years of independence, the people and their legitimate Government remain steadfast in defense of sovereignty and the inalienable right to decide their own destiny.” The government further claimed that attempts to impose a “colonial war” and force a regime change would fail, just as previous efforts had.
This military action comes amid ongoing U.S. efforts to target alleged drug-smuggling operations linked to the Venezuelan government. Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, expressed skepticism regarding the justification for the strikes, questioning the constitutional basis for such actions without a formal declaration of war or authorization for military force.
In a pre-taped interview aired on state television, Maduro had recently indicated a willingness to negotiate with the United States regarding drug trafficking and oil. He stated, “The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.” Maduro also expressed openness to U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oil sector, particularly with companies like Chevron.
In light of the escalating situation, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, issued a warning to American citizens, advising them against travel to Venezuela and instructing those currently in the country to shelter in place. A Travel Advisory from December 3 strongly urged all U.S. citizens in Venezuela to depart immediately.
Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Airmen at 1 a.m. EST on Saturday, prohibiting all U.S. aircraft from operating at any altitude within Venezuelan airspace.
This situation is developing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
According to The Associated Press, this is a breaking news story.