Caracas: Tension spread across Latin America after United States President Donald Trump announced large scale military strikes on Venezuela and claimed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into US custody. The developments prompted emergency responses from neighbouring countries and sharp reactions from Venezuelan authorities.
Following the strikes on Caracas and other locations, Venezuela declared a state of national emergency and rejected what it described as military aggression. Senior officials said the government did not know the whereabouts of Maduro or the first lady and demanded immediate proof of life. The defence minister ordered full deployment of armed forces across the country and called for resistance against foreign intervention.
Trump stated that US forces carried out the operation to capture Maduro and said details would follow. US officials indicated that elite units conducted the action and that no further military steps were planned. Venezuelan leaders accused Washington of violating sovereignty and warned of escalation.
In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro announced the deployment of public forces along the border with Venezuela. Authorities in Bogotá began preparations for a possible influx of refugees amid fears of regional spillover. Colombia shares more than 2,000 kilometres of border with Venezuela, with a long history of cross border displacement during periods of crisis.
Protests and economic unrest continued inside Venezuela, driven by rising prices and stagnation. Demonstrations took place in several cities as shopkeepers in Caracas went on strike earlier in the week. Officials reported deaths and arrests linked to unrest, while investigations into casualties from the strikes remained ongoing.
The unfolding situation created uncertainty across the region. Governments, observers, and communities awaited clarity on Maduro’s status, civilian impact, and the next phase of US policy toward Venezuela.
