Washington D.C. – In an unprecedented military operation, the United States launched strikes on Venezuela over the weekend, resulting in at least 40 casualties and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The bold action has sparked international controversy and raised serious questions about sovereignty and international law.
Death Toll Rises Following Military Strikes
According to official reports, at least 40 people were killed during the US attacks Venezuela carried out on Saturday. The strikes targeted multiple locations in the South American nation, with satellite imagery later revealing extensive damage to key government and military installations in Caracas, including the presidential compound known as Fuerte Tiuna.
A large part of Maduro’s security team was reportedly killed during the operation, according to Venezuela’s defense minister. The scale and precision of the US attacks Venezuela witnessed demonstrated significant military planning and execution, marking one of the most dramatic foreign interventions in recent history.
Maduro Captured and Detained in New York
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured by US forces during the operation and subsequently transported to New York City. Maduro is currently being held at a Brooklyn jail where he faces criminal indictment on various charges. The capture represents a dramatic turn of events for the Venezuelan leader who had maintained power despite years of international pressure and sanctions.
The US attacks Venezuela operation specifically targeted Maduro’s residence, with reports indicating that he and his wife were “dragged from their bedroom” during the raid. The audacious nature of the operation has drawn comparisons to historical US interventions in Latin America, though few precedents exist for the capture of a sitting head of state.
Trump Announces US Will “Run” Venezuela
Following the successful execution of the US attacks Venezuela mounted, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would temporarily govern Venezuela until a proper transition of power could be arranged. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” Trump stated.
However, the Trump administration later made a U-turn on the claim about running Venezuela directly. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified the situation by citing an “oil quarantine” rather than direct governance, suggesting the US strategy may focus more on controlling Venezuela’s vast oil resources during the transition period.
Colombia Faces Military Action Threat
In the aftermath of the US attacks Venezuela experienced, President Trump expanded his threats to neighboring Colombia. When asked about potential military action against Colombia’s government, Trump responded that such an operation “sounds good to me,” raising concerns about further regional instability and additional military interventions in South America.
Trump also warned Venezuela’s interim leadership of facing “a very big price” if they did not comply with US demands, indicating that the US attacks Venezuela launched may only be the beginning of sustained American involvement in the region.
Delcy Rodríguez Named Acting President
In the absence of Maduro following the US attacks Venezuela conducted, the country’s Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president. The ruling stated that the court would further deliberate to “determine the applicable legal framework to guarantee the continuity of the State, the administration of government, and the defense of sovereignty in the face of the forced absence of the President of the Republic.”
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Venezuela’s military subsequently recognized Rodríguez as acting president and instructed the population to resume normal activities, attempting to project stability despite the dramatic circumstances created by the US attacks Venezuela suffered.
International Condemnation Mounts
The US attacks Venezuela executed have drawn sharp criticism from multiple nations. China expressed being “deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the US against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country.”
Russia’s foreign ministry called the operation “an act of armed aggression against Venezuela” that is “deeply concerning and condemnable.” Russia emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation and finding solutions through dialogue.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated that “the bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line. These acts represent a grave affront to Venezuela’s sovereignty and yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community.”
In a joint statement, Brazil and four other nations rejected outside “control” of Venezuela, while the European Union urged respect for international law and the will of the Venezuelan people.
India Expresses Deep Concern
India joined the international community in responding to the US attacks Venezuela experienced, expressing “deep concern” over the military action. The Indian external affairs ministry called on all parties to address issues peacefully through dialogue to ensure stability in the region.
“India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region,” the statement read.
Regional Impact and Oil Interests
The US attacks Venezuela launched have significant implications for regional stability and global oil markets. Venezuela possesses some of the world’s largest oil reserves, and analysts suggest American interest in these resources may have played a role in the operation’s timing and execution.
Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado called Maduro’s ouster “important but not enough” and demanded the release of all political prisoners. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA has asked joint ventures to cut back oil output amid the uncertainty.
Conclusion
The US attacks Venezuela conducted represent a watershed moment in international relations and hemispheric politics. As the situation continues to develop, questions about sovereignty, international law, and the future of Venezuela remain at the forefront of global diplomatic discussions.
