Trump hails successful US military operation in Venezuelan capital

President Donald Trump has publicly detailed what he termed an "extraordinary military operation" conducted by U.S. forces in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, describing it as the most significant assault since World War II. Speaking at a news conference in Florida on Saturday, Trump was flanked by senior officials as he revealed the scope of the intervention that reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Details of the Military Operation

Trump stated that the operation, which he said he personally directed, utilized "overwhelming American military power" across all domains—air, land, and sea. He characterized the action as a "spectacular assault" of a scale not seen in decades. Notably, he emphasized that the mission resulted in no American military fatalities and no loss of U.S. equipment, framing it as a highly successful tactical endeavor. The president also confirmed that the U.S. embargo on Venezuelan oil remains fully in place.

Capture and Transfer of Maduro

The announcement provided additional context to Trump's earlier claim that a "large scale strike" had resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump explained that after their apprehension by U.S. forces, the couple was transported to a ship and was en route to New York. He shared an image on social media purportedly showing Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the Venezuelan leader and his wife face multiple criminal charges, including narco-terrorism, in the Southern District of New York.

Broader Implications and Reactions

This detailed account from the U.S. president represents an unprecedented public disclosure of a direct military intervention in the capital of a sovereign nation in the Western Hemisphere. The operation, which Venezuela had earlier stated targeted civilian and military sites and prompted a national emergency, has drawn condemnation from several quarters, including the UN, China, and Russia. As the situation develops, the international community, including regional actors like Türkiye, continues to assess the profound implications for international law and regional stability.