CARICOM Heads of Government assembled for an urgent summit on January 3rd, responding to escalating military developments in Venezuela that have sent shockwaves throughout the Western Hemisphere. The emergency session was prompted by confirmed reports of direct U.S. military intervention targeting Venezuelan leadership.
Following deliberations, the Caribbean Community issued an official communiqué expressing profound regional apprehension regarding the rapidly unfolding situation. The organization characterized the developments as presenting potentially severe consequences for neighboring nations and the broader Caribbean basin, emphasizing the critical need for stability in the region.
The crisis erupted when United States forces executed a comprehensive military operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. American authorities have formally indicted Maduro on multiple charges including narcotics trafficking and illegal weapons distribution, with plans to prosecute him through the U.S. judicial system.
Venezuela has confirmed widespread explosions throughout the capital city of Caracas, with government officials accusing the United States of launching attacks against both civilian infrastructure and military installations. The Venezuelan government has formally declared a nationwide emergency while demanding immediate verification regarding the status and whereabouts of their captured leadership. Current governmental authority within Venezuela remains uncertain following these extraordinary events.