Dramatic new images from Venezuela depict the moment US forces conducted a swift and explosive operation to extract Nicolas Maduro, the authoritarian Venezuelan President. The operation, described as a “large scale strike” by US President Donald Trump, caused explosions in parts of Caracas as soldiers descended on the capital city, triggering fear among locals.
Trump is expected to make a public statement regarding the operation from Mar-a-Lago at 11am local time. While details from Trump are awaited, updates from top officials in Venezuela shed light on the events. Maduro has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges related to drugs trafficking and firearms.
Venezuela’s attorney general, Tarek William Saab, criticized the US strikes, accusing them of causing harm to innocent civilians and labeling the operation as a “terrorist attack.” Photos and videos captured by Venezuelans show flashes of light from residential areas and military bases, along with scenes of destruction, including damaged civilian infrastructure and burned containers at La Guaira port.
The overnight raid also saw fires raging across Caracas and military complexes, such as Fuerte Tiuna. Helicopters were observed flying over Caracas during the operation, while US military planes were spotted departing from a base in Puerto Rico before carrying out the raid in Venezuela.
