Overview
- President Donald Trump announced a large‑scale strike in Venezuela and said Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were captured and flown out of the country.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi said the pair have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and machine gun and destructive device offenses.
- Witnesses in Caracas reported multiple explosions, low‑flying aircraft, smoke, and power outages as Venezuela’s government condemned U.S. military action and demanded proof of life for the couple.
- U.S. media, citing unnamed sources, reported CIA intelligence pinpointed Maduro’s location and Army Delta Force carried out the raid, with indications the detainees are being moved toward New York custody.
- Russia denounced the strikes as armed aggression and regional leaders sought UN engagement, while U.S. officials pointed to months of maritime interdictions, an FTO designation, and a heightened bounty as the lead‑up to the operation.