BREAKING: The United States executed a rapid military operation in Caracas, Venezuela, early on October 7, 2023, successfully capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This lightning strike, lasting less than 30 minutes, targeted military infrastructure and has ignited significant political debate over congressional notification.
Explosions rocked the capital, with at least seven blasts reported as U.S. forces moved swiftly to apprehend Maduro, who is expected to face narco-terrorism charges in U.S. courts. Smoke billowed from a military hangar during the operation, which officials described as crucial to combatting narcotics trafficking linked to Maduro’s regime.
President Donald Trump confirmed the operation on social media, stating, “Maduro has been captured and flown out of the Country.” At a press conference, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized the operation’s urgency, while warning that leaking details to Congress could have jeopardized the mission.
In a striking reflection of the political fallout, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the administration, calling the lack of congressional notifications “reckless.” He stated, “The administration has assured me three separate times that it was not pursuing regime change or taking military action in Venezuela. Clearly, they are not being straight with Americans.”
Democrats are expressing outrage over the absence of prior briefings. Rep. Gregory Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, revealed he received all information from news outlets, saying, “I had no briefing or heads up.”
During the press conference, Trump and Rubio highlighted why Congress was not informed. Trump stated, “Congress has a tendency to leak. This would NOT be good. If they leaked, it would’ve been a very different result!” Rubio echoed this sentiment, explaining, “This is not the kind of mission you can pre-notify.”
The operation, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” has raised questions about the implications of military actions taken without congressional approval. Sen. Andy Kim from New Jersey underscored the constitutional concerns, arguing, “Trump rejected our Constitutionally required approval process for armed conflict.”
As political tensions escalate, the focus now shifts to the potential repercussions of this military action and how it will affect U.S.-Venezuela relations moving forward. The international community is watching closely, as this unexpected strike could reshape geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
