In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a large-scale US military operation. The US plans to “run the country” indefinitely, pending a transition of power, while Maduro faces charges in New York related to drug trafficking. The operation, which involved extensive aerial strikes and a raid, has drawn international criticism and concern. Amidst the chaos, the future of Venezuela’s leadership and stability remains uncertain, with potential election scenarios and competing claims of legitimacy.
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Reports indicate that the United States claims to have captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro amidst a series of strikes in Caracas. The Venezuelan government, however, has stated that they are unaware of Maduro’s current location or that of his wife. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced a national emergency following the early morning explosions in the capital city. The events have created a state of uncertainty within the country.
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On January 3rd, the United States launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. This intervention, the most direct in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama, followed accusations of Maduro’s involvement in a “narco state” and election rigging. Maduro was reportedly taken by special operations forces to the Iwo Jima and will be transferred to New York, where he will stand trial on criminal charges. The US action has sparked international condemnation and questions about the future leadership of Venezuela, as well as the legal basis for the intervention.
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In a shocking Saturday morning operation, the United States launched a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela, claiming to have captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Trump announced the action on social media, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stating the couple would face charges in New York for “narco-terrorism” conspiracy. Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas as Maduro’s government accused the U.S. of an “imperialist attack,” with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assuming power. The military action, potentially mirroring the U.S. invasion of Panama, has drawn international reactions ranging from condemnation to celebration, while the legal basis for the strike remains unclear.
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In a recent TV interview, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro called on Donald Trump to cease “illegal warmongering” and engage in “serious talks” amid reports of a possible pre-Christmas CIA airstrike on Venezuelan soil. Maduro declined to confirm the reports, suggesting it could be discussed later, while rejecting US claims that he leads a “narco-terrorist” organization. Maduro believes the US’s true goal is to control Venezuela’s resources and stated his willingness to discuss drug trafficking and allow US investment. The interview, recorded on New Year’s Eve, followed US military strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, as the US government has framed the attacks as necessary to stop the flow of drugs into the US.
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Recent reports indicate that Venezuelan security forces have detained at least five Americans amidst the US’s increasing pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro. While the circumstances vary, with some possibly linked to drug smuggling, US officials believe the Maduro regime is using these detentions for leverage. The detentions follow a series of US actions, including strikes on drug boats and a port facility, and mirror tactics used by Russia. One of the detained Americans, identified by The New York Times, is James Luckey-Lange, whose family has been unable to contact him since December.
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The United States intends to retain or sell seized Venezuelan oil and the tankers themselves, as stated by President Trump. This decision aligns with the ongoing US pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s government, accusing Venezuela of using oil revenue for illicit activities, prompting condemnation from Caracas. The US military has already seized multiple oil tankers, and is actively pursuing a third, part of what the US describes as a Venezuelan “dark fleet”. Simultaneously, the US military conducted a strike on a suspected trafficking vessel in international waters, resulting in one fatality.
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U.S. forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela for the second time in less than two weeks, as the Trump administration continues to escalate pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s government. The recent operation followed Trump’s announced “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers and the previous seizure of another vessel. The targeted tanker, identified as the Centuries, was carrying sanctioned oil, according to U.S. officials, though its legal operations are contested by maritime experts. Venezuela’s government has condemned the U.S. actions, vowing to seek legal recourse and characterizing the seizures as “criminal”.
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro responded to former US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Venezuela stole US assets, including oil and land, by accusing Trump of seeking regime change and control of the country’s resources. Maduro characterized Trump’s claims as a “warmongering and colonialist pretense” and called for unity with Colombia to defend sovereignty. He also condemned Trump’s comments in a phone call with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who reaffirmed the UN’s position on respecting international law and de-escalating tensions. The UN is currently studying the situation, as Trump threatened to impose a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers transiting Venezuela.
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The United States is escalating pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by imposing sanctions on his relatives and associated businesses. Following the seizure of an oil tanker, the U.S. plans to intercept more ships carrying Venezuelan oil, with the seized oil now destined for an American port. Further intensifying the situation, the U.S. military has conducted numerous strikes against Venezuelan boats suspected of drug smuggling and has increased its military presence in the region. The Trump administration’s ultimate strategy for removing Maduro from power remains unclear, despite the assertive actions taken.
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John Q. Hosedrinker