US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Military Operation

Overnight Military Operation in Venezuela

• ⚡ A large-scale military strike was conducted in Venezuela overnight, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
• 💥 Dramatic video reportedly shows a fireball and plumes of smoke over the capital city, Caracas, with explosions and low-flying aircraft heard starting around 2:00 a.m. local time.
• ✈️ The FAA has banned US commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity.

Escalating US Pressure on Maduro

• 📈 The operation follows weeks of increased US pressure, including the seizure of oil tankers and military strikes on alleged drug smugglers.
• 🎯 The Pentagon released video of two vessels being hit, stating they were involved in narco trafficking.
• ⚠️ At least 115 people have been killed in over 30 strikes since September, and the US has deployed significant military forces in the Caribbean.
• 🚫 President Trump had previously declared Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed and added Maduro's government to the list of the world's most dangerous terrorist organizations.

Maduro's Accusations and International Reaction

• 🛢️ Maduro accused the US of a months-long pressure campaign to force regime change and gain access to vast oil reserves.
• 🤥 He denied ties to the drug trade, claiming the US is using it as a pretext to oust him.
• 🌍 World leaders, including Russia, Iran, and Mexico, have condemned the action, with Russia calling it an act of armed aggression.
• 📰 President Trump is expected to hold a press conference regarding the developments.