The United States has carried out strikes inside Venezuela, with President Donald Trump claiming that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown out of the country. The government in Venezuela has rejected the actions as “extremely serious military aggression.”
US Military Action in Venezuela
Earlier today, President Maduro declared a state of emergency and called for the “mobilisation” of the population following what the government described as a US “attack.” The attacks reportedly took place in the capital of Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.
“Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,” a statement from Mr. Maduro’s government read.
Witnesses in Caracas reported hearing airplanes and loud noises, and observed a column of smoke. Power outages were also reported in the south of the capital, near a major military base. The incident began around 2am local time (6am Irish time), with videos circulating on social media appearing to show multiple explosions.
President Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela and has privately pressured President Maduro to leave the nation. On Monday, Mr. Trump stated it would be “smart” for Mr. Maduro to leave power.
A US official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the United States is carrying out strikes inside Venezuela, but provided no further details. The Pentagon has not yet responded to a request for comment.
The US has significantly increased its military presence in the region, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier, warships, and advanced fighter jets to the Caribbean. Mr. Trump has also announced a “blockade” of Venezuelan oil, expanded sanctions, and conducted strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
Last week, Mr. Trump said the United States had “hit” an area in Venezuela where boats are loaded with drugs, marking the first known land operations in the country since the pressure campaign began. He did not specify whether the CIA was involved, though other media outlets have reported their involvement. Mr. Trump has accused Venezuela of flooding the US with drugs, a claim the Maduro government denies.
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