Overview
- Multiple pre-dawn explosions and aircraft were reported in and around Caracas, with strikes cited at La Carlota air base, Fuerte Tiuna and sites in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.
- Venezuela denounced a “severe military attack,” declared a state of emergency and nationwide mobilization, and requested a UN Security Council meeting as its defense minister pledged a “massive” response.
- Trump announced that Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country, but independent confirmation of their whereabouts, casualty figures and full operational details remained unavailable ahead of a scheduled briefing.
- U.S. media, citing officials, reported Delta Force participation and prior presidential authorization, and Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro faces U.S. charges tied to drug terrorism in New York.
- The assault followed months of U.S. strikes on suspected smuggling boats and a regional military buildup, while Russia condemned the action, the EU urged restraint, Colombia warned of refugee flows, and U.S. authorities restricted flights and advised Americans to shelter.