Information
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States had carried out a “large-scale” strike against Venezuela, describing the operation as successful. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country, adding that the action was conducted alongside US law enforcement. Trump also announced that a press conference would be held later that day at Mar-a-Lago.
US media outlets, including CBS News and Fox News, reported that American forces were conducting strikes on Caracas, citing unnamed Trump administration officials. Reuters also quoted a US official confirming American involvement. According to CBS, Trump had approved land strikes days earlier, with the operation initially planned around Christmas but delayed due to other US military actions abroad and unfavorable weather conditions.
Source: AP, AFP, Reuters
So What
It is highly likely that the primary objective of the operation was the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and while there are reports suggesting he negotiated his surrender, this almost certainly occurred under significant duress. Regardless of the operation’s tactical success, it is likely to trigger substantial international condemnation, which may undermine the United States’ moral standing and weaken its position in criticizing actions by other powers such as Russia. In the medium to long term, the operation likely signals an intention to facilitate the installation of a new Venezuelan government more aligned with US interests.
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