US military captured Venezuelan President Maduro & wife in overnight mission
President Trump has announced that U.S. forces have conducted “a large-scale strike against Venezuela” and were taking President Nicolás Maduro and his wife to the U.S.
Image sent to PSM purportedly showing US air strikes in Venezuela (anonymous)
Overnight, the U.S. conducted several military strikes in Venezuela, focusing primarily around the capital of Caracas. Air strikes were said to have lasted around an hour, primarily focusing on military targets. Small arms fire was also reported, as U.S. troops breached the fortified building Maduro was sheltered in.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) posted on X: that he spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and “…He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack…”
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While speaking to the press, President Trump stated that to his knowledge no U.S. service members were killed in the attack. He added that no aircraft were lost, but did state one helicopter sustained heavy damage and several service members were injured.
President Trump also remarked that the attack was supposed to occur several days ago, but weather considerations delayed the operation. In a Truth Social post, Trump said, "This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
Both Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, former President of the National Assembly of Venezuela & Nicolás Maduro's wife, are said to be on a ship that is sailing back to the U.S.
In an official statement, Colombia expressed their “deep concern” for the situation. Stating they were currently securing their border with Venezuela and calling for deescalation of the conflict.