In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the United States and Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were apprehended by US military forces on January 3rd. The operation, authorized by US President Donald Trump, marks a significant turning point in the longstanding political conflict between the two nations.
According to international media reports, the capital city of Caracas witnessed multiple explosions around 1:50 AM local time, resulting in numerous casualties among government officials, military personnel, and civilians. The military intervention followed months of missile strikes targeting suspected narco-traffickers in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific, which had previously claimed over 100 lives.
President Trump confirmed the operation through social media, characterizing it as a ‘large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader.’ He further stated that the action was coordinated with US law enforcement agencies and that Maduro and his wife had been successfully transported out of Venezuelan territory.
The US administration has scheduled a news conference at 11 AM at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, to provide additional details regarding the operation.
International reaction has been immediate, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar clarifying that her nation was ‘not a participant in any of these ongoing military operations’ and reaffirming Trinidad and Tobago’s ‘peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.’
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has convened an emergency meeting to address the military action, expressing concern over potential implications for neighboring countries. Meanwhile, Caribbean Airlines confirmed that its operations have remained unaffected despite the geopolitical developments.