Overview of Explosions and U.S. Military Action

The U.S. extensive military operation against Venezuela began with multiple explosions heard across Caracas and surrounding areas during the early hours of Saturday. The reports indicated the presence of low-flying aircraft and an estimated seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time, mainly focusing on military bases, antennas, and strategic areas near the capital city. Military installations were seen with smoke rising from them, and parts of the city temporarily experienced power outages during the assault.

It was the decision of President Donald Trump, as stated by U.S. authorities, that this operation would consist of both aerial and special forces components. The captured goal, as whispered by Trump, was to get hold of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores.

Capture of Maduro and Legal Charges

On social media, President Trump notified that Maduro along with his spouse had been taken captive and transported out of Venezuela after the attack. The Attorney General of Florida, Pam Bondi, revealed that these two persons have been charged with narcoterrorism and other offenses concerning a U.S. indictment from 2020 which has been in existence for quite a while, in the Southern District of New York.

The U.S. government has already made clear that the prosecution of Maduro and Flores would take place in the States. Besides, Trump declared that the mission was successful without U.S. military deaths, but, unfortunately, there were some personnel who got injured.

Reactions and International Fallout

The government of Venezuela characterized the attacks as “imperialist aggression” and declared a state of emergency. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez asked for the president and his wife to be shown alive, as the political succession line is still unclear. The Minister of Defense of Venezuela, Vladimir Padrino López, invited the army and the people to fight against the U.S. intervention.

The international response was immediate. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva branded the U.S. action an “unacceptable” and “sovereignty violating” crossing of the line regarding Venezuela. Mexico too disapproved of the intervention, noting it endangers the peace in the region. Russia and Iran called the U.S. action a breach of international law, while the EU reminded everyone of the importance of the United Nations Charter.

U.S. Justification and Broader Context

The Trump administration had been exerting pressure on the Maduro regime for a long time, with drug trafficking and terrorism connections claimed as the reasons. Prior to the operation, the U.S. military had already reinforced its presence in the Caribbean with a combination of naval deployments and attacks on suspected drug-smuggling boats, along with a $50 million bounty for the arrest of Maduro.

In addition, Trump referred to the possibility of U.S. transitional governance, and also the involvement of American companies in the reconstruction of Venezuela’s oil industry.

Domestic U.S. Political Reactions

In manner of speaking, the military action and its legality were scrutinized by certain Congress members in Washington who noticed that there was neither a formal declaration of war nor specific authorization. The Senators of the two parties were worried about the constitutional authority and the future of unilateral military operations.

 

Impact on Venezuelans and the Region

The inhabitants of Caracas depicted the situation as terrifying when the blasts were felt throughout the city. The total number of civilian and military casualties is still not clear, while the situation of the people has become even more troublesome. The leaders in the area are afraid that the crisis might lead to a whole new round of instability and that a large number of people might flee to other countries.