US Air Strikes Cause Damage in Venezuela Following Military Incursion

US President Donald Trump has announced that American forces conducted air strikes against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

According to reports, the operation took place overnight and lasted under 30 minutes. The US military targeted locations across three states in Venezuela beyond the capital city of Caracas. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has also released a list of targeted locations.

The military action follows months of escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. The US has accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking, a claim he has consistently denied. Since September, the US has conducted at least 20 air strikes in waters near Venezuela.

Venezuela’s government has reported casualties among civilians and military personnel following the attack. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is expected to assume power under Venezuelan law, although no confirmation of this transition has emerged. Rodriguez has issued a statement demanding proof that Maduro and his wife are alive.

The operation was marked by at least seven explosions, which drove people into the streets. Others took to social media to document the events. The exact location of Maduro is currently unknown.

Source: Al Jazeera