The United States has launched military strikes on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and charging him with drug trafficking offences, in a dramatic escalation that has sent shockwaves across Latin America and the global diplomatic community. U.S. officials described the operation as a targeted action aimed at dismantling what Washington alleges is a state-backed narcotics network.
According to U.S. government sources, the strikes were carried out after intelligence agencies concluded that Maduro was directly involved in large-scale drug trafficking operations linked to transnational criminal groups. The operation reportedly involved coordinated air and special forces actions, culminating in Maduro’s arrest and transfer into U.S. custody. He has been charged under U.S. federal law with narcotics trafficking and related criminal conspiracy offences.
In a statement, U.S. officials said the action was taken to “protect regional security and uphold international law,” accusing the Venezuelan leadership of turning the country into a hub for cocaine trafficking. Washington has long accused Maduro and senior figures in his government of using state institutions to facilitate drug shipments, allegations Caracas has consistently denied.
The Venezuelan government, in an emergency broadcast before communications were disrupted, denounced the U.S. action as an “illegal invasion” and a violation of national sovereignty. Pro-government figures called for international condemnation, while supporters of the opposition celebrated what they described as the collapse of an authoritarian regime.
Regional reactions have been swift and divided. Some U.S. allies expressed concern over the scale of the operation and its implications for international law, while others urged restraint and called for clarity on Maduro’s legal status. Russia and China reportedly condemned the strikes, warning that the action could destabilize the region and set a dangerous precedent.
Inside Venezuela, uncertainty prevails. Reports suggest heightened military deployments, sporadic protests, and confusion over who now controls key state institutions. Analysts warn that the aftermath of Maduro’s capture could trigger political turmoil, economic disruption, and a power struggle within the country.
The White House said further details would be released as legal proceedings move forward. As events continue to unfold, the operation marks one of the most aggressive U.S. actions against a sitting foreign head of state in recent decades, with far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global geopolitics.