UPDATE: The United States has launched a large-scale military strike against Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, early Saturday, July 15, 2023. This dramatic operation was confirmed by President Donald Trump via social media just hours after the attack, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
Multiple explosions rocked Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, as low-flying aircraft targeted government facilities. The Venezuelan government quickly condemned the actions as an “imperialist attack,” urging citizens to protest in the streets. Trump’s announcement came shortly after 4:30 a.m. ET, with plans for a news conference at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the developments.
This military action follows years of escalating tensions, with Maduro previously indicted in 2020 on charges of narcoterrorism by the U.S. Justice Department. Officials allege he turned Venezuela into a haven for drug traffickers, siphoning billions from the nation. The U.S. has also offered $55 million in rewards for information leading to his capture.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau hailed the operation as a “new dawn for Venezuela,” declaring, “The tyrant is gone.” His sentiments were echoed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reiterated Maduro’s illegitimacy as the president.
In a significant political move, Utah Senator Mike Lee reported on social media that Rubio anticipates no further military action following Maduro’s arrest, suggesting a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Venezuela.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, stating, “We do not know their whereabouts.” The situation remains tense as the government prepares for possible unrest.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a vocal critic of the U.S. intervention, convened a national security meeting. He expressed concerns over a potential influx of refugees and called for an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council to address the situation.
In response to escalating violence, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert, advising American citizens in Venezuela to shelter in place. The embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, is monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing the dangers present in the region.
As international reactions pour in, Russia condemned the U.S. actions as “an act of armed aggression,” asserting that Venezuela deserves the right to self-determination without foreign interference. The Russian Foreign Ministry called for dialogue to prevent further escalation.
With tensions high and the world watching, the implications of this military strike could reshape the political landscape in both Venezuela and Latin America. More updates are expected as the situation develops.
