The United States has launched military strikes on Venezuela, targeting Caracas and other locations, after months of rising tensions. President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured.
Details of the Strikes
Reports indicate that the strikes hit key military sites, including:
- La Carlota Airfield in central Caracas
- Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s main military base
The Venezuelan government said Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira states were also affected. Videos circulating online show explosions across Caracas.
Trump described the operation as a joint effort with U.S. law enforcement, promising a news conference at Mar-a-Lago.
Casualties and Context
Since September 2, the US has conducted operations on boats accused of drug smuggling, reportedly killing over 110 people. The strikes on Caracas mark an escalation, moving from maritime targets to the capital city and military infrastructure.
Venezuela’s Response
The Venezuelan government condemned the attacks, calling them an attempt to seize the country’s oil and mineral resources. President Maduro declared a national emergency, while Cuba and Colombia also denounced the US actions.
Trump’s Remarks and Escalation Concerns
In October, Trump told reporters he would not seek Congress approval for military action, saying:
“I think we’re just gonna kill people… The land is going to be next.”
Maduro condemned these statements, accusing the US of fabricating a war. Earlier this week, he expressed willingness to discuss drug trafficking and oil with the US.
In Short
The US strikes on Venezuela have heightened tensions, with explosions reported in the capital and claims of Maduro’s capture. International reactions are mixed, with some countries condemning the action while the US defends it as a targeted operation against narco-terrorism.
