The United States has conducted military operations in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, targeting infrastructure. US President Donald Trump announced the capture and removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, stating he faces weapons and drug charges. Maduro's current location has not been disclosed, prompting Venezuelan officials to request proof of his status. This intervention marks the first direct US military action of this nature in a Latin American capital since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
Military Operation Details
US military strikes targeted at least four locations within Caracas, including Fuerte Tiuna, identified as one of Venezuela's largest military bases. The operation reportedly occurred overnight. Washington has publicly framed these actions as part of broader efforts against drug trafficking and criminality.
US and Venezuelan Stances
The United States has consistently accused Nicolás Maduro of leading a criminal trafficking organization, an allegation Maduro denies. The US government previously designated the "Cartel de los Soles," described as a network of Venezuelan elites allegedly involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and illegal mining, as a foreign terrorist group. Furthermore, the US has not recognized Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president since the 2024 elections, which international observers widely considered neither free nor fair.
Venezuela's government maintains that Washington's ultimate objective is regime change, stating the recent intervention reinforces this claim. Venezuela has also accused the US of seeking control over its oil reserves, which are considered among the world's largest, citing the seizure of at least two oil tankers as evidence.
Regional Context and Preceding Events
This military operation follows an intensified US military presence in the region over several months. This deployment included warplanes, thousands of troops, helicopters, and a large warship. Prior to this intervention, the US had conducted numerous strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, leading to approximately 110 fatalities. The US intervention in Venezuela is the first direct military action in a Latin American capital since the 1989 invasion of Panama, which resulted in the removal of then-military ruler Manuel Noriega.
Political Landscape and Future Outlook
The US has expressed support for the Venezuelan opposition, including figures such as Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, as potential future leaders. However, observers note the complexities of a political transition. The Venezuelan government maintains control over key national institutions, including the judiciary, the Supreme Court, and the military, and has alliances with armed groups known as 'colectivos' or paramilitaries. Concerns have been raised that direct US intervention could lead to increased instability within the country. The status and future of Maduro's close allies within the government also remain a focal point of observation.