Overview
- The United States confirmed large-scale strikes in Venezuela, and President Trump said Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured for transfer to New York on U.S. criminal charges.
- Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency and reported strikes on civilian and military sites in Caracas as officials worked to assess casualties.
- Russia and China condemned the operation as armed aggression, urging de-escalation and calling for an urgent UN Security Council meeting.
- European responses diverged, with France saying the action contradicts international law while the EU’s Kaja Kallas reiterated that Maduro lacks legitimacy and called for restraint.
- The UN Secretary-General, through his spokesperson, warned the action sets a dangerous precedent and emphasized full respect for international law and the UN Charter.