New striking images from Venezuela have documented the moment American forces descended on the nation and executed a rapid and explosive operation to remove Nicolas Maduro, causing fear among some local residents.
The autocratic Venezuelan President, who has been a focal point of Donald Trump‘s administration, was reportedly “captured” earlier today in what the US President termed a “large scale strike.” Explosions reverberated across parts of Caracas as troops descended on the capital, with billows of black smoke emanating from buildings in the early hours of the morning.
Trump has yet to publicly comment on the operation beyond his social media platform Truth Social. He is scheduled to deliver a public statement at 11 a.m. local time (4 p.m. GMT) from Mar-a-Lago, but information from the country’s remaining high-ranking officials has shed light on the incident.
Venezuela attack UPDATES: Maduro indicted in US after Trump capture mission
Donald Trump’s real motive in attacking Venezuela – and how he thinks he’ll get away with it
In his Truth Social post, the President stated: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who, along with his wife, has been captured and flown out of the country. This operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. Law Enforcement. More details to follow.
“A News Conference will be held today at 11 A.M. at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.” Maduro has subsequently been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms.
Venezuela’s attorney general, Tarek William Saab, alleged during a televised address that the US strikes resulted in the death of “innocent” individuals, though no evidence was provided, and labeled the strike as a “terrorist attack.”
Venezuelans have captured images and videos showcasing orange flashes visible from residential areas near what seemed to be a military installation. Additional photographs in the morning light displayed a destroyed civilian bus and individuals passing by smoldering metal shipping containers.
Pictures taken overnight depict the extensive magnitude of the explosions following the US raid.
During the raid, helicopters were observed flying over the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
Authorities in Venezuela have denounced what they claim was a ‘terrorist’ assault on the country.
As the raids unfolded this morning, some individuals were witnessed fleeing in panic.
In the early hours of the morning, massive flames surged into the skies above Caracas.
Fires were reported at military installations in Venezuela, including Fuerte Tiuna.
Throughout the night on January 3, fires raged across Caracas.
Civilian infrastructure suffered damage and destruction during the US raids.
Images also captured ruined containers at La Guaira port following the raids.
Prior to the raid in Venezuela, US military planes were seen departing from a base in Puerto Rico.
Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores have been indicted in New York.
Donald Trump confirmed the US military’s strike on Venezuela earlier today.