Overview
- U.S. officials said Operation Absolute Resolve used more than 150 aircraft and had been prepared for months, with key strikes near Caracas including Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota.
- Explosions were reported across the capital and nearby states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, with residents describing intense blasts and helicopter activity overnight.
- Donald Trump said Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were exfiltrated and are en route by ship to New York to face federal narcoterrorism and cocaine importation charges.
- Venezuela denounced a “very grave military aggression,” declared an exceptional state, called for national mobilization, and its vice president demanded proof of life for the captured couple.
- Russia and Iran condemned the U.S. action, Colombia deployed troops to its border, Spain offered to mediate, the EU urged restraint, France called the raid a breach of international law, and Trump said U.S. oil firms will be allowed to operate in Venezuela with the prospect of a larger follow‑on strike if needed.