UPDATE: In a dramatic military operation early on October 7, 2023, U.S. forces executed a lightning strike in Caracas, Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This urgent action marks a significant escalation in U.S. intervention in Venezuela, with both leaders facing narco-terrorism charges in U.S. courts.
Explosions rocked the capital as the operation unfolded, with reports of at least seven blasts occurring within a chaotic 30-minute window. Witnesses described low-flying aircraft and smoke billowing from military installations, suggesting a targeted assault on key infrastructure.
Following the operation, President Donald Trump took to social media to announce, “Maduro has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.” This decisive move has prompted immediate backlash from Congressional Democrats, who are expressing outrage over the lack of prior notification.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the military action as “reckless,” emphasizing that the administration had previously assured Congress it was not seeking regime change. “Clearly, they are not being straight with Americans,” Schumer stated, highlighting the growing tensions over executive military power.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defended the decision to bypass Congress, citing concerns about potential leaks. “This is not the kind of mission you can pre-notify,” Senator Marco Rubio explained, echoing Trump’s sentiment that Congress “has a tendency to leak,” which could have jeopardized the operation.
Representative Gregory Meeks, who leads the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the administration for not providing any briefing: “I received all information from the news media at this point.” The absence of Congressional oversight has ignited a fierce debate about the implications of unilateral military action.
The swift nature of the strike and the subsequent fallout underscore a growing divide between the executive branch and Congress. With Democrats framing the mission as an overreach of power, the ramifications of this operation could ripple through U.S. foreign policy and military engagement.
As the situation develops, observers are urged to monitor statements from both military and political leaders. Key questions remain about the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations and the potential for further military interventions. The urgency of these developments demands immediate public attention and discourse.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
