"We are taking control of Venezuela," declared President Trump following the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro.
In a significant military operation early Saturday morning, the United States executed what it characterized as a "large-scale strike" in Venezuela. This marked a pivotal moment as U.S. forces successfully apprehended the Venezuelan president and transported him out of the country after months of increased pressure from Washington.
During a news conference held on Saturday, President Trump detailed the operation: "Under my direction, the United States Armed Forces carried out an extraordinary military action in Venezuela’s capital." He described the assault as a coordinated effort involving air, land, and sea forces, emphasizing the spectacular nature of the attack.
Trump asserted that U.S. troops managed to seize Maduro during the cover of night, stating confidently, "We will oversee the nation until we can ensure a safe, proper, and judicious transition of power."
Typically, Venezuelan law would dictate that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assume the presidency in such a scenario. However, there was no immediate confirmation that she had taken over leadership duties. In response to the military action, Rodríguez released a statement expressing concern: "We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. We demand proof of life."
Republican Senator Mike Lee from Utah shared on social media that he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who informed him that Maduro had been arrested by U.S. personnel and would face criminal charges in the United States.
In reaction, the Venezuelan government condemned the operation, labeling it an "imperialist attack," and called upon citizens to protest in the streets. Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions and observing low-flying aircraft throughout Caracas, the nation’s capital, on January 3rd.
Maduro's administration quickly accused the U.S. of targeting both civilian and military sites in their assault.
Senator Rubio declared that Maduro "is no longer the legitimate president of Venezuela," reinforcing the U.S. stance against his regime. General Dan Caine referred to the mission as "Operation Absolute Resolve," describing it as "discreet, precise, and executed during the darkest hours of the night." He noted that this operation was the result of extensive planning and preparation, something only the U.S. military could successfully carry out.
In a positive note for U.S. forces, Trump stated that there were no American casualties or losses of military equipment during this operation. He painted Maduro as the leader of a criminal enterprise responsible for introducing significant amounts of narcotics into the U.S., claiming, "Each ship transports drugs that result in the deaths of approximately 25,000 individuals."
This military intervention followed months of pressure from the Trump administration, which included strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking and a recent CIA drone attack targeting a suspected cartel docking location. The total number of casualties among Venezuelans remains unclear at this time.
Footage emerging from Caracas illustrates the destruction of buildings and military facilities, alongside reports of multiple explosions occurring within the capital and surrounding regions.
Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre extended his congratulations to Trump via social media, branding Maduro a "narco-terrorist and socialist dictator," and advocating for a transition to opposition leadership. Meanwhile, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reiterated Canada’s refusal to recognize the legitimacy of Maduro’s regime. She stated, "Canada is monitoring developments closely and calls on all parties to adhere to international law, standing firmly with the people of Venezuela."
Additionally, the Government of Canada updated its travel advisory, urging citizens to completely avoid traveling to Venezuela due to rising tensions that could escalate rapidly.
