The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a large-scale military operation in Caracas. This unprecedented assault marks a significant escalation in the U.S. pressure campaign against the Maduro regime, which has faced accusations of narco-trafficking and human rights violations.

Military Operation in Caracas
In the early hours of Saturday, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes across Venezuela, targeting both military and civilian locations. Explosions were reported throughout the capital, Caracas, as well as in the states of Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua. President Donald Trump confirmed the successful capture of Maduro and Flores, stating that they had been flown out of the country. The operation involved members of the elite Delta Force, known for high-profile missions, including the killing of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

U.S. Justification and Goals
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that both Maduro and Flores would face criminal charges in New York, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and possession of machine guns. The U.S. has accused Maduro's government of collaborating with drug-trafficking organizations and destabilizing the region. Trump emphasized that the military operation was necessary to protect American interests and curb the influence of narco-traffickers in Latin America.

Venezuela's Response
The Venezuelan government condemned the U.S. attack as an act of military aggression. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed the capture of Maduro but demanded proof of life for both him and Flores. Venezuelan officials urged citizens to resist what they characterized as an imperialist invasion. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López described the assault as a "deplorable" regime change operation and called for national unity against foreign intervention.

International Reactions
The military operation has drawn international concern, with neighboring Colombia's President Gustavo Petro calling for an emergency session of the UN Security Council. Venezuela's government has appealed to the global community to denounce what it sees as a violation of international law, emphasizing the potential humanitarian consequences of the U.S. actions.

Wrap-up
The capture of Nicolás Maduro represents a dramatic shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations, which have been fraught with tension since Hugo Chávez's presidency began in 1999. As the situation unfolds, the future of Venezuela's political landscape remains uncertain, with the potential for increased instability in the region.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team