US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Military Operation

US Military Operation in Venezuela

• ⚡ President Donald Trump announced the US military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores.
• 🚀 The operation involved a large-scale, overwhelming display of American military power, described as an assault on a heavily fortified military fortress in Caracas.
• 🎯 US forces reportedly used air, land, and sea capabilities, including F-22s, F-35s, B1 bombers, and drones, in the pre-dawn raid.
• 💥 Explosions were heard across Caracas and other Venezuelan cities, with strikes targeting key military sites.

Charges Against Maduro

• ⚖️ Nicolás Maduro and Celia Flores have been charged in the Southern District of New York with drug and weapons offenses, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism.
• 🎤 President Trump stated that the US will run Venezuela until a safe and orderly transition can be achieved, emphasizing peace, liberty, and justice for the Venezuelan people.
• ⚠️ The US claims Maduro has been running a criminal network, which he denies.

Operation Details and Aftermath

• 🚁 US military personnel reportedly came under fire during the apprehension, with one aircraft being hit but remaining flyable.
• 🚢 Maduro and Flores were taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima before being transported to the United States.
• 🇺🇸 Trump stated that no US service personnel were killed and that the US is prepared for a larger attack if necessary.
• ❓ Questions remain about the long-term US involvement in running Venezuela and the role of the Venezuelan opposition in any transition.

Political Reactions

• 🗣️ Republican members of Congress largely supported the operation, calling Maduro an illegitimate leader.
• 🚫 Democrats criticized the move as illegal under international law and questioned the US's commitment to running Venezuela and the potential for prolonged engagement.
• 📜 Concerns were raised about the legality of the mission without a war powers resolution from Congress.