Dramatic new images from Venezuela have documented the arrival of US forces in the country and the swift, explosive operation to extract President Nicolas Maduro, causing panic among locals. The authoritarian Venezuelan leader, a target of the Trump administration, was apprehended this morning in a significant military action described by President Trump as a “large scale strike.” The capital city of Caracas was rocked by explosions as troops descended, with black smoke billowing from buildings in the early hours.
President Trump has not yet spoken publicly about the operation, but he is scheduled to make a statement at 11am local time from Mar-a-Lago. Reports and statements from other top officials in Venezuela have provided more information about the events. Maduro has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms.
Venezuela’s attorney general, Tarek William Saab, criticized the US strikes, alleging that innocent people were gravely injured in what he called a “terrorist attack.” Local residents captured photos and videos showing flashes of light from residential areas and a military base. The aftermath revealed a destroyed civilian bus and people navigating through damaged metal containers.
The visuals depict the extensive explosions following the US raid, with helicopters flying over Caracas during the operation. Venezuelan authorities denounced the incident as a ‘terrorist’ attack, causing panic among some residents who were seen fleeing the scene. Massive flames lit up the skies above Caracas in the early morning hours, with fires engulfing military complexes and civilian infrastructure. Additionally, images showed destroyed containers at La Guaira port in the aftermath of the raids. US military planes were observed departing from a base in Puerto Rico before conducting the operation in Venezuela.
The US President confirmed the military action against Venezuela, stating that President Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from the country in collaboration with US law enforcement.