U.S. forces have intervened in Venezuela, arresting the country’s president and first lady on federal drug charges. The operation in Venezuela follows a month of escalating U.S. actions against the country and its now-removed leader, leaving many questions about the future of Venezuela and the implications for the United States as Trump indicates that the U.S. will now “run” Venezuela.
How and why did the U.S. attack Venezuela?
Early Saturday morning, U.S. forces conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Venezuelan First Lady Celia Flores de Maduro. Explosions were reported in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and apparent U.S. military helicopters were seen flying over Caracas as well. Trump posted about the mission on social media Saturday morning. “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump wrote. “This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow.”
Trump explained during a phone call with Fox News that Maduro and Flores were taken out of Caracas by helicopter and transferred to the USS Iwo Jima Navy vessel to be taken to New York. Maduro and Flores were indicted by the first Trump administration in 2020, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced new narcoterrorism charges against the couple Saturday. “They killed a lot of people to maintain power,” Trump said, though it is not clear if Maduro or Flores are being charged with any deaths in Venezuela or the United States.
The attacks on Venezuela and the arrest of Maduro come after years of tension between Trump and Maduro and months of escalating U.S. actions against Venezuela. Since September, the United States has conducted over 30 strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean. Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of being a major source of drugs coming to the United States. The U.S. president indicated last year that he had authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations within Venezuela. Trump seemed to confirm a strike within Venezuela last week, which the New York Times later reported was conducted by the CIA via drone. The United States has also been enforcing an oil blockade against Venezuela, seizing tankers under sanctions.
Source: Why Did The U.S. Attack Venezuela? Here’s Key Points To Know, Including What Happens Next
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