In a dramatic escalation of tensions in Latin America, the United States has launched precision military strikes across Venezuela, culminating in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. officials confirmed the operation early Saturday, describing it as a targeted response to alleged Venezuelan support for drug cartels and threats to regional stability.
Pentagon spokesperson Rear Adm. Kirby announced the strikes from the White House briefing room, stating that special forces raided Maduro's fortified residence in Caracas under the cover of airstrikes from F-35 jets. "This action neutralizes an immediate threat to U.S. national security and protects democratic allies in the hemisphere," Kirby said. No U.S. casualties were reported, though Venezuelan state media claims heavy losses among government forces.
Eyewitness videos circulating on social media show explosions lighting up Caracas skies, followed by helicopters extracting high-value targets. Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela amid economic collapse and U.S. sanctions since 2013, was reportedly subdued without resistance. Flores, a key political ally and former National Assembly president, was detained alongside him.The operation draws parallels to the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden, involving Navy SEALs and CIA intelligence. U.S. President [Current President] justified the strikes citing declassified intelligence on Venezuelan ties to Colombian FARC dissidents and Iranian-backed militias. "Venezuela's regime has harbored terrorists and flooded our streets with poison," the president declared in a televised address.Reactions poured in globally. Brazil and Colombia pledged support for a U.S.-led stabilization force, while Russia and China condemned the "imperialist aggression," vowing diplomatic retaliation. The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency session for Sunday.
As Venezuelan military factions scramble for control, oil prices surged 8% amid fears of supply disruptions from the OPEC member's fields. Analysts warn of potential refugee waves and proxy conflicts, but U.S. allies hail the move as a turning point against authoritarianism.
