U.S. Military Intervention in Venezuela: Maduro Captured and Brought to New York
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured during a military operation and flown out of the country. Maduro and his wife, who were brought to Stewart Air Force Base in New York on Saturday afternoon, have been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons offenses.
Wide-Scale Military Operation and Airspace Restrictions
A large-scale “air, land, and sea” operation involving at least 150 aircraft was launched against Venezuela early Saturday morning. Following the operation, civil flight traffic in the region was adversely affected.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that closing the regional airspace was mandatory to ensure the safety of the flying public. Due to these restrictions, airlines such as Delta and American Airlines canceled numerous flights in the Caribbean region. No specific timeline has been provided for when flights will return to normal due to aviation safety concerns.
Political Debates and Emphasis on Oil
President Trump stated that the U.S. would oversee the administration of Venezuela until a transition process is completed and noted that they aim to utilize the country’s vast oil reserves. On the other hand, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, speaking on state television, described the U.S. action as a regime change attempt aimed at seizing natural resources.
Casualties and International Reactions
The Venezuelan Attorney General’s office announced that civilian casualties occurred during air strikes on facilities in and around Caracas. It was reported that some U.S. soldiers were also injured during the operation but remain in stable condition.
Within the U.S., figures such as Senator Ruben Gallego criticized the intervention, calling it a “war of choice” and an illegal move conducted without Congressional approval. Groups gathered in New York’s Times Square held demonstrations protesting the military action.
