Dramatic new images from Venezuela depict the moment US forces swooped in on the country in a swift, explosive operation to extract Nicolas Maduro, causing panic among locals.
The authoritarian Venezuelan President, a target of the Donald Trump administration, was reportedly “captured” in a large-scale strike that rocked parts of Caracas with explosions and billowing black smoke.
Although Trump has not publicly addressed the operation, he is set to make a statement later today from Mar-a-Lago. Meanwhile, reports from Venezuelan officials shed light on the events that unfolded.
In a social media post on Truth Social, Trump announced the successful strike against Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro and his wife, who have been flown out of the country. Subsequently, Maduro was indicted in the Southern District of New York on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Venezuela’s attorney general condemned the US strikes, labeling them a “terrorist attack” that resulted in casualties. Footage and photos from locals captured the aftermath, showing explosions, damaged infrastructure, and fires raging across the city.
The operation involved US military planes departing from a base in Puerto Rico before carrying out the raid in Venezuela. The incident has sparked condemnation from Venezuelan authorities, who described it as a terrorist attack on their country.