U.S. Strikes Venezuela as Trump Claims Capture of Nicolás Maduro

Overview

• The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency, ordered national mobilization, and demanded proof of life for Maduro and Cilia Flores.
• Witnesses reported pre-dawn explosions and aircraft overflights in Caracas and nearby states, with Venezuelan officials citing strikes on Fort Tiuna and the La Carlota air base as casualty figures remained unclear.
• President Trump said Maduro and his wife were removed from Venezuela after a large-scale operation, with a briefing scheduled for later in the day.
• U.S. authorities announced narcotrafficking and terrorism charges against Maduro, with Attorney General Pam Bondi saying he would face U.S. courts.
• Regional reactions diverged as Colombia and Cuba condemned the action, Argentina's Javier Milei praised it, and Brazil convened an emergency meeting to assess facts before issuing a position.