US President Donald Trump announced a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, during which President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were detained.
Operation Details
According to Trump, the operation was conducted jointly with US law enforcement. Overnight on Friday, US aviation launched air strikes on the capital Caracas and other cities in Venezuela.
Background of the Conflict
Long-standing tensions between the US and Venezuela intensified after the Trump administration accused Maduro of drug trafficking. In July 2024, the US announced a reward of $50 million for information leading to the arrest of the Venezuelan president.
Reactions
Venezuelan authorities condemned the US actions as a "criminal terrorist attack". The country's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez called for evidence of Maduro's whereabouts.
Argentina's President Javier Milei welcomed Maduro's detention, writing on social media: "Freedom moves forward".
International Consequences
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the US actions a "criminal attack" and called on the international community to react immediately.
The future of Venezuela remains uncertain, as the country's political institutions and military seem to remain intact.
