Overview
- President Donald Trump said U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife during overnight strikes and flew them out of Venezuela, after explosions and aircraft were reported over Caracas.
- Venezuelan authorities denounced a “gravísima agresión militar,” declared emergency measures, demanded proof of life, and the Supreme Tribunal moved for Delcy Rodríguez to assume presidential functions, with the Defense Ministry signaling recognition.
- Trump stated the United States will govern Venezuelan affairs during a transition and pursue narcotics-related charges, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said cooperation depends on decisions by current Venezuelan leaders and called elections premature.
- Global reaction split sharply, with Russia, China, Mexico, Brazil and Chile condemning the U.S. action, Argentina and Ecuador praising it, and Colombia deploying forces to the border and urging urgent UN deliberations.
- Washington flagged plans to revamp and leverage Venezuela’s oil sector and a potentially long involvement, as the UN Security Council readies a crisis session and analysts warn of legal, humanitarian and regional security risks.