At a Glance
- President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores allegedly flown out of Venezuela after US strikes.
- Couple indicted on narcoterrorism charges in the Southern District of New York.
- Attack condemned by Russia, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.
- Why it matters: The incident signals escalating tensions and uncertainty over Venezuela’s leadership.
In the early hours of Saturday, Caracas was rocked by explosions and low-flying aircraft as the Venezuelan government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military sites. President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were reportedly flown out of the country amid rising legal threats. The incident has intensified global scrutiny of Venezuela’s leadership.
US Strikes and Alleged Flight
Low-flying aircraft and explosions swept through Caracas, prompting Maduro’s government to blame the US for an assault on civilian and military installations.
President Trump posted:
> “has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi later said that the couple has been indicted in the Southern District of New York with narcoterrorism and other charges.
- Indicted in the Southern District of New York
- Facing narcoterrorism charges
- Other charges pending
International Reactions
The strikes drew condemnation from Russia, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, while legal experts questioned the legitimacy of the US actions.
| Country | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Russia | Condemnation |
| United Kingdom | Condemnation |
| Mexico | Condemnation |
Uncertainty remains over who is leading Venezuela, as Maduro’s whereabouts are still unknown.
Key Takeaways
- Maduro and first lady allegedly flown out after US strikes.
- Couple indicted on narcoterrorism charges in New York.
- International condemnation highlights global backlash.
With President Trump scheduled to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. ET, the situation continues to unfold.
