• U.S. forces, led by Delta Force, conducted a large-scale strike in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
  • The operation targeted key military and infrastructure sites in Caracas, including Fuerte Tiuna and La Guaira Port.
  • International reactions are sharply divided, with Venezuela condemning the action as aggression while some regional leaders support it.

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, President Trump announced that the U.S. executed a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were subsequently flown out of the country. According to people familiar with the matter, the strike involved elite Delta Force units and occurred in the early morning hours, with witnesses reporting explosions and low-flying aircraft across Caracas. The operation specifically targeted sites like Fuerte Tiuna, the main military base, and La Guaira Port, aiming to dismantle critical infrastructure.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided legal justification, stating that Maduro was arrested to face criminal charges in the U.S., with military action taken to protect personnel executing the warrant. This move follows the Trump administration's earlier designation of Maduro's government as a foreign terrorist organization in November, setting the stage for the intervention. Efforts to reach Venezuelan officials for comment were unsuccessful, but sources indicate the government has declared a 'state of External Disturbance' in response.

Regional fallout is immediate and contentious. Venezuela condemned the strikes as 'grave military aggression,' while Cuba and Colombia's Gustavo Petro deployed forces to borders in protest. In contrast, Argentina's Javier Milei praised the operation, highlighting the deep divisions within Latin America. Market data shows volatility in oil prices amid concerns over supply disruptions, though analysts caution that the long-term economic impacts remain uncertain as negotiations over Venezuela's future governance continue.

Without a deal to stabilize the situation, the risk of further instability looms, potentially forcing broader international involvement. The operation's success in capturing Maduro marks a significant shift, but experts note that ongoing efforts to restructure Venezuela's debt and political framework could face new hurdles. As developments unfold, sources close to the matter suggest that U.S. officials are monitoring reactions closely, with updates expected in the coming days.