In a stunning escalation of U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere, President Trump announced today that U.S. Special Forces have successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a “large-scale strike” in Caracas.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning, marks the most significant U.S. military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
According to reports from The Guardian, the mission was carried out by the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force. Explosions were reported across the Venezuelan capital, specifically targeting military installations at Fort Tiuna and various airfields.
President Trump, speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence, described the operation as “brilliant” and “spectacular,” revealing that he watched the raid via live feed.
He later posted a photo on Truth Social showing a blindfolded Maduro in a gray tracksuit aboard the USS Iwo Jima, confirming the leader is being transported to New York to face criminal charges.
Legal Charges and the “Donroe Doctrine”
The U.S. Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, has unsealed a new indictment against Maduro and Flores. The charges include:
- Narco-terrorism conspiracy
- Cocaine importation conspiracy
- Possession of machine guns and destructive devices
The administration has justified the move by citing Maduro’s alleged leadership of the “Cartel de los Soles” and his role in flooding American streets with narcotics.
In a bold shift in rhetoric, President Trump referenced the 1823 Monroe Doctrine but stated that his administration had “superseded” it with what he called the “Donroe Doctrine,” asserting that American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will no longer be questioned. “We’re going to run [Venezuela] for now,” Trump told reporters, hinting at a temporary U.S.-led administration of the oil-rich nation.
The global response has been swift and largely polarized. Major news outlets are providing live updates as the situation develops:
- The Guardian: Reports on the “shock and alarm” felt across South America, noting that Colombia is preparing for a massive influx of refugees.
- BBC News: (Note: Current coverage focuses on the humanitarian implications and the legality of kidnapping a sovereign head of state.)
- Al Jazeera: Highlights the condemnation from the United Nations, which called the strike a “dangerous precedent” and a violation of international law.
- CBS News: Provides details on the military buildup in the Caribbean that preceded the strike, including the positioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford.
The Future of Venezuelan Oil
A key component of the President’s announcement was the future of Venezuela’s energy sector. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves.
Trump emphasized that the U.S. is “in the oil business” and plans to bring in major American oil companies to “fix the badly broken infrastructure” and begin large-scale production.
What Happens Next?
Nicolás Maduro is expected to be arraigned in a Manhattan federal court within the coming days. Meanwhile, in Caracas, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has appeared on state television in tactical gear, urging loyalists to resist what he termed a “cowardly kidnapping.”
As the world watches, the question remains whether this move will lead to a democratic transition or a prolonged military occupation.
Quick Links
- United Nations Security Council Emergency Meeting: Live Coverage
- Who is Nicolás Maduro? Biography via The Guardian
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