Overview
- Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported over Caracas and nearby states in a pre-dawn operation that U.S. officials described as large-scale.
- Trump posted that Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were captured and flown out of the country, promising details at an 11 a.m. news conference in Mar-a-Lago.
- The FAA barred U.S. commercial flights from Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity, and Venezuela declared a state of exception and activated defense forces.
- Venezuelan officials condemned a “grave aggression,” cited strikes on sites including Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota, and demanded proof of life as casualties remained unconfirmed.
- Independent confirmation of Maduro’s capture has not been reported as foreign governments split between condemnation and support and Colombia moved troops to its border, with the UN secretary-general expressing deep concern.