US President Donald Trump has a US attack on Venezuela
confirmed. “The United States of America has successfully launched a large-scale attack against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro.” Maduro and his wife were therefore captured and flown out of the country.
Maduro was captured by elite American soldiers, the Reuters news agency reported, citing a US representative. CBS News reported that they were members of Delta Force, a special unit of the US Army.
It is unclear where Maduro and his wife were taken. The Venezuelan government has no knowledge of this, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said in an audio recording for state television. She demanded “immediate proof” that the two were still alive.
Trump announced a press conference for 11 a.m. local time (5 p.m. CET). Then the US President wants to announce further details.
Explosions in Caracas
Venezuela had in the earlier hours of the morning Attacks reported on the capital Caracas. Parts of the city were therefore without electricity. Explosions were also reported in the states of Miranda, Aragua and the coastal city of La Guaira. The airstrikes reportedly targeted military bases, airfields, communications facilities and ports.
Venezuelan media and social networks showed footage of explosions and columns of smoke in the capital Caracas. Several of them are said to have occurred in the La Carlota area, where there is a Venezuelan Air Force base. Armored vehicles of the Venezuelan forces could be seen near the Miraflores presidential palace.
Venezuela announces “massive” use of military force
Maduro accused the US of a “serious military attack”. The Government declared a state of emergency and ordered a mobilization of the entire country.
The Venezuelan Ministry of Defense announced the use of all its military assets. There will be a “massive deployment of all land, air, naval, river and ballistic assets,” Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said in a speech circulated on online networks. The USA also bombed residential areas with civilians. Information about injuries and deaths is currently being collected.
