In a dramatic overnight operation that has plunged Venezuela into uncertainty, United States military forces launched a targeted strike on the capital city of Caracas early Saturday, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.
President Donald Trump confirmed the high-stakes mission, announcing that the Venezuelan leader had been flown out of the country. According to sources familiar with the operation, the mission was carried out by the Army’s Delta Force after weeks of CIA tracking, following a “green light” given by President Trump days ago.
The operation, which triggered explosions and fires near the Fort Tiuna military base around 2:00 a.m. local time, has left a power vacuum in the South American nation.
“The Full Wrath of American Justice”
U.S. officials wasted no time detailing the legal road ahead for the captured leader. Senator Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State, reportedly informed colleagues that Maduro was arrested to stand trial on American soil.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating on social media that Maduro would face the “full wrath of American justice.” She cited a 2020 indictment by the Southern District of New York, which charges Maduro with narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of destructive devices.
Chaos and Uncertainty in Caracas
On the ground, the situation remains fluid and tense. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation, admitting the government had no knowledge of the President’s whereabouts and claiming the U.S. “invasion” had resulted in casualties among officials and civilians.
Current Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López condemned the operation as “the greatest outrage the country has suffered” and vowed to resist any foreign troop presence.
The removal of Maduro opens a complex constitutional crisis with three potential paths forward:
- Succession: Under Article 233, Vice President Rodríguez could assume power and call for elections within 30 days.
- Transition: The opposition, led by exiled diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia and backed by Nobel laureate María Corina Machado, views this as a critical window for a peaceful transition. Machado previously claimed the military would support a new administration once Maduro was removed.
- Military Control: A full takeover by the armed forces remains a distinct possibility amidst the confusion.
Global Shockwaves
The raid has drawn sharp lines on the international stage. The Russian Foreign Ministry demanded “immediate clarification,” condemning the action as an unacceptable violation of sovereignty and an act of “armed aggression.” Meanwhile, European leaders urged caution, with the EU calling for a peaceful transition and adherence to international law.
As dawn broke over Caracas, NASA satellite data continued to detect heat signatures consistent with large fires near military installations, a physical reminder of the geopolitical earthquake that just struck the region.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
