Global Outrage Erupts over US Bombing and Venezuelan President’s Arrest
President Trump says the US has carried out a ‘large scale strike’ against Venezuela and captured its President.
US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States carried out a “large-scale military strike” against Venezuela early Saturday, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two countries.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country following the operation, which he said was conducted in coordination with US law enforcement agencies. The White House has not yet released official details confirming the claim.
US media outlets, including Fox News and CBS News, reported that American forces conducted strikes inside Venezuela, an action Venezuelans had feared for weeks amid rising tensions.
Venezuelan authorities strongly condemned the attack. In an initial statement, President Maduro accused Washington of carrying out an “extremely serious military aggression” against the country.
“Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,” the government said.
Casualties Unclear
As of now, there is no confirmed information on deaths or injuries resulting from the strikes. Venezuelan officials said damage assessments are ongoing, while international observers warned of potential civilian casualties.
International Reactions
The attack sparked swift reactions across the globe.
- Colombia: President Gustavo Petro warned of escalating conflict and urged respect for international law and the protection of human life.
- Cuba: President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the strikes as a “criminal attack” and described them as “state terrorism”, calling for an urgent international response.
- Iran: Tehran strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
- Russia: Moscow denounced the action as an “act of armed aggression” and called for dialogue to prevent further escalation.
- Spain: Madrid urged restraint and offered to mediate a peaceful solution.
The situation remains fluid, with fears growing that further military action could lead to loss of life and regional instability.
