In a stunning overnight strike, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a military base in Caracas and flew them out of the country, according to AFP.

The couple is now aboard the USS Iwo Jima, bound for New York to face narco-terrorism charges. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, calling it “a decisive step for justice.”

Explosions and low-flying aircraft rocked Caracas as the raid unfolded, leaving parts of the capital in darkness. Venezuelan officials condemned the attack as an “imperialist assault,” saying civilians and soldiers were killed.

Reactions were split  some Venezuelans took to the streets demanding Maduro’s release, while others celebrated his fall. Meanwhile, Cuba and Iran denounced the U.S. action, as Argentina’s President Javier Milei hailed it as “a victory for liberty.”

Maduro’s sudden capture marks a dramatic turning point for Venezuela, ending years of tense standoff between his government and Washington.

BOB Post