Overview
- Trump says U.S. forces conducted a large-scale mission in Venezuela that detained Nicolás Maduro and his wife and that prosecutors plan to bring him to New York on drug and weapons charges.
- Explosions and airstrikes were reported in Caracas and at strategic sites, and Venezuela declared a state of emergency, put its forces on combat footing, and labeled the action serious military aggression.
- Trump said the United States would temporarily govern Venezuela until a transfer of power, that American oil companies would begin operating there, and that the months-long plan ran under the name Operation Absolute Resolve.
- The FAA halted many U.S. flights in Venezuelan airspace, local media reported Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López was killed, and reactions ranged from condemnations by Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, Colombia, and Brazil to concern from the U.N. and support from Argentina.
- Separately, large anti-government protests continued across Iran with at least eight deaths reported, Trump warned the U.S. would come to rescue peaceful protesters if shot, and senior adviser Ali Larijani cautioned that outside interference would destabilize the region.