US president Donald Trump has said Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured following what he described as a “large-scale strike” on the country. Venezuela’s government has declared a state of emergency, stating that the US attacked civilian and military installations in multiple states.
US Strikes and Capture Claims
Eyewitnesses in Venezuela reported a series of explosions early Saturday in the capital Caracas. Mr. Trump announced the operation on social media, stating it was done in conjunction with US law enforcement and that details would follow.
Venezuela’s government said the United States attacked its civilian and military installations in multiple states. Mr. Maduro earlier declared a state of emergency and called on “political and social forces” to reject the attacks, according to a government statement.
International Reaction
British prime minister Keir Starmer has said the UK was not involved in the US strikes and wants to speak with President Trump to find out “the full facts.”
EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Kaja Kallas said she has spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the ambassador in Caracas. “The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela,” she said. “The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority.”
Russia’s foreign ministry has said the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela, which was “deeply concerning and condemnable.”
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric expressed concern and condemnation of the US military actions in Venezuela, reaffirming his country’s commitment to international law.
Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro said his government viewed reports of explosions in Venezuela with “deep concern” and reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter.
Irish Response
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has said she has been in contact with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas regarding the situation in Venezuela. “I will remain in close contact with EU colleagues as the situation evolves,” she said. “Ireland, together with our EU partners, underlines the absolute necessity of full respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter. While we have been clear that President Maduro does not have any democratic legitimacy, we have consistently called for a peaceful and negotiated transition in Venezuela, and have supported all international efforts to that end.”
Sinn Féin’s national chairperson, Declan Kearney MLA, condemned the US violation against Venezuela. Labour’s foreign affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith has called for immediate action in New York and Dublin to halt the violence, uphold international law and secure the release of Mr. Maduro and his wife.
People Before Profit denounced the attack and called for the Irish Government to condemn the US and demand the release of Mr Maduro, calling it a “blatant imperialist attack.”
Background on Nicolás Maduro
Nicolás Maduro was born on November 23, 1962, and worked as a bus driver before becoming involved in politics following Hugo Chavez’s 1992 coup attempt. He rose through the ranks, becoming president of the National Assembly and then foreign minister. He was narrowly elected president in 2013 after Mr. Chavez’s death.
His administration has overseen a significant economic collapse, characterized by hyperinflation and shortages. His rule has been marked by allegations of rigged elections, rights abuses, and a mass exodus of Venezuelans. He has been indicted in the US on corruption and other charges, which he rejects.
US Actions and Allegations
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Mr. Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York, charging the Venezuelan president with “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.”
Mr. Trump had repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela, amid efforts to pressure Mr. Maduro to leave office, including expanded sanctions and a military presence in the region. The CIA was reportedly behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
