Overview
- The Pentagon said the operation used fighters, bombers, drones and special operations forces, and a congressional notice reported no American casualties.
- Venezuela declared a state of emergency and called the strikes military aggression, alleging a breach of U.S. law due to no congressional authorization while disputing Maduro’s status and demanding proof he is alive.
- Reactions ranged from broad denunciations by Latin American and European figures and calls for restraint to Israel’s public support, with experts expecting U.N. Security Council action to be stymied by a U.S. veto.
- Trump framed the raid as a response to threats to U.S. security, claimed Venezuela used offensive weaponry, and said Maduro would no longer pose a danger.
- CNN reported deportation flights to Venezuela were suspended, and Trump warned a second strike could be stronger while stating Washington will help decide the country’s future.