The United States military has reportedly captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia Flores during a surprise operation in the early hours of the morning in the capital city of Caracas. According to a statement made by US President Donald Trump, the Venezuelan leader and his wife were taken into custody by American forces and have since been transferred to a US warship, the USS Iwo Jima.
The operation, which was reportedly planned for several months, was carried out by a team of US special forces who were tasked with capturing Maduro and bringing him to justice. Trump revealed that the operation was a success, and that Maduro and his wife are currently on board the USS Iwo Jima, which is set to sail to New York City, where they will face trial.
The US Attorney General has accused Maduro and his wife of conspiring to acquire arms and engage in terrorism, including the smuggling of narcotics, against the United States. Trump also stated that several US military personnel were injured during the operation, which involved a helicopter crash.
The Venezuelan government has denied any involvement in the operation, and has accused the US of violating international law. The Russian, Iranian, Colombian, and Cuban governments have also condemned the US action.
The capture of Maduro has sparked a mixed reaction from world leaders, with some welcoming the move as a step towards democracy and others condemning it as an act of aggression. The US has vowed to take further action against Maduro and his government, which has been accused of human rights abuses and corruption.
In related news, the Iranian government has reported a decrease in the number of protesters taking to the streets in response to rising inflation and economic hardship. The protests, which began several weeks ago, had spread across the country, but have now been largely contained to a few major cities.
The US military has also announced plans to provide a free internet service to Venezuela, starting from February 3. The move is seen as an attempt to counter the Maduro government’s efforts to crack down on online dissent.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, the international community is watching with bated breath, waiting to see what the consequences of the US action will be. One thing is certain, however, the capture of Maduro has sent shockwaves around the world and has put the US at the center of a global storm.
