"The United States has conducted a large-scale military operation against Venezuela and its leader, president Nicolás Maduro," wrote Donald Trump on fact Social. According to the U.S. President, Maduro, who is considered a dictator by many, was captured and deported with his wife.
He did not give any more details, but the U.S. media study that Nicolás Maduro was captured by an elite unit of the American Army Delta Force – reported Washington officials in an interview with CBS News. Delta Force is simply a top U.S. unit dedicated to anti-terrorism operations.
Even before his capture, Maduro published a message referring to the causes of the American attack. As he stressed, it has nothing to do with Donald Trump's fight against drug cartels – which has so far been the authoritative justification for US pressure, including sanctions against Venezuela. According to the Venezuelan President, Trump's real goal is to take control of the oil resources that are considered the largest in the world.
"The only intent of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategical resources, in peculiar oil and minerals," thundered Maduro in a message cited by "The Guardian". "People on the streets!" he appealed to his fellow countrymen, calling them to defend the country.
Venezuela demands proof of life of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. Government talks about victims
Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodríguez reported that the government does not presently know the whereabouts of president Nicolás Maduro or the first woman of Cilia Flores. "The government demands immediate proof of the lives of both," she stressed.
Rodríguez added that government officials, soldiers and civilians were killed as a consequence of the attacks. American actions were described as "invasion" and "the top insult" that Venezuela has experienced."
In a akin tone, Vladimir Padrino López, Venezuela's defence minister, who reported that the authorities collected information about the killed and wounded after the raids. As he stated, the impact was besides intended to affect civilian areas.
In consequence to the attacks, López announced the immediate deployment of armed forces throughout the country. In his video speech he called for the creation of a "United Front of Resistance" against "the worst aggression that Venezuela has always experienced". He added that the military operated according to Maduro's "orders" and that all formations would be put on alert. “They attacked us, but they will not subjugate us,” said the Minister of Defence.
Nicolás Maduro is to go before an American court
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Mike Lee wrote on page X that he spoke to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was to confirm Maduro's arrest. "He informed me that Nicolás Maduro had been arrested by U.S. personnel and would go before an American court where he would answer for criminal charges," the senator said.
Lee added that the "kinetic actions" observed that night were intended to defend officers implementing the arrest warrant. "This action most likely falls within the President's constitutional powers under Article II to defend U.S. personnel from real or direct threat," he wrote.
According to Senator Rubio, he does not anticipate any further military action in Venezuela, since Maduro is already in American jurisdiction. Let us add that Lee previously publically expressed doubts about the constitutional grounds for the attack, pointing to the absence of a formal declaration of war or consent of Congress.
There are more of those voices. associate of the home of Representatives, Melanie Stansbury of the Democratic Party, wrote on X: "Let's make this clear: these attacks are illegal. The president has no authority to declare war or conduct large-scale military action without Congress' approval. legislature must immediately take action to halt it". Others compose about the end of "narkoterror" and the fall of dictatorship.
In consequence to the events, Venezuela requested an urgent assembly of the UN safety Council. abroad Minister Yván Gil Pinto reported that an authoritative request had been made to the United Nations. "No cowardly attack will prevail over the strength of this nation, which will appear victorious from this attempt," he wrote on Telegram, publishing the text of a letter addressed to the UN.
