Overview
- President Donald Trump said U.S. air, land and sea forces carried out a night raid in Caracas that captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
- Trump posted a photo he said shows Maduro on a U.S. vessel and said he is being taken to New York, with prosecutors to decide between New York or Miami for court proceedings.
- Venezuelan authorities disputed Maduro’s location, denounced the action as an attack on sovereignty, and requested an urgent UN Security Council session.
- U.S. officials highlighted “Operation Midnight Hammer,” with reports of 150 aircraft, electronic disruption in Caracas, and Delta Force involvement, though independent on-the-ground verification remains limited.
- Russia and several U.S. lawmakers condemned the operation as illegal, while Trump said the U.S. will temporarily govern Venezuela, keep oil sanctions in place, and is prepared for a stronger second wave if required.