US Strikes Venezuelan Military Assets During Maduro Takedown

In a major military operation that marks the first direct American assault on Latin American soil since 1989, the United States has struck several high-profile military and infrastructure sites across Venezuela. The offensive was part of the mission that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Strategic locations targeted during the midnight strike included the La Guaira Port, the nation’s most vital seaport, and key airbases such as Higuerote and La Carlota.

The assault also hit the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas, the El Volcan signal site, and the Cuartel de la Montaña barracks, which houses the mausoleum of the late Hugo Chávez. Executed by the U.S. Army’s Delta Force and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the operation has led the Venezuelan government to declare a nationwide state of emergency. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López characterized the move as an illegal act of war and has deployed military detachments across the capital.

The 63-year-old Maduro is expected to be transported to the United States to face trial for international drug trafficking. U.S. officials have long accused Maduro of leading the Cartel de los Soles, describing his administration as a narco-state that has systematically dismantled the country’s economy. The capture follows years of tension and a recent wave of additional sanctions targeting members of Maduro’s inner circle.

Would you like me to research the international reactions to this military action or provide more details on the history of Operation Just Cause for comparison?