Overview
- U.S. officials say Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken out of Venezuela and will face criminal charges in U.S. courts tied to narcotics‑linked terrorism allegations.
- U.S. media reports attribute the raid to the Army’s Delta Force, while the administration has released few operational details beyond strikes on key military sites near Caracas.
- Venezuela declared a nationwide state of emergency, activated defense plans, and says it lacks confirmed information on Maduro’s whereabouts, alleging U.S. strikes hit residential areas with casualties under review.
- Trump said he watched the capture live, described the operation as rapid and forceful, signaled Maduro’s transfer to New York for prosecution, and hinted at U.S. engagement in Venezuela’s oil sector and potential opposition‑led transition; a senator quoted the secretary of state as saying no further strikes are planned.
- Criticism in Washington escalated as Sen. Ruben Gallego called the action illegal and Sen. Mike Lee questioned its constitutionality, with a U.S. source saying Congress was notified only after the operation, while the administration cites Article II authority.