Overview
- Explosions and overflights were reported from about 2 a.m. in Caracas with strikes hitting sites such as Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota, fires were seen and parts of the city lost power.
- President Trump announced that Nicolás Maduro and his wife were seized and flown out of Venezuela, with U.S. media citing Delta Force involvement and a Mar-a-Lago briefing set for late morning.
- Venezuela declared a state of emergency, demanded proof of life for Maduro and Cilia Flores, and its defense minister vowed a massive use of military assets while authorities tallied casualties.
- Washington frames the action as part of its counter-narcotics campaign Operation Southern Spear after months of maritime interdictions and a regional military buildup.
- Russia and Iran issued sharp condemnations, Colombia sought UN action and prepared for refugee flows, the EU and Spain called for restraint, Germany convened a crisis unit, and U.S. agencies issued flight restrictions and safety warnings.