A dramatic U.S. military operation in Caracas over the weekend resulted in the capture of Venezuela’s deposed President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, triggering widespread condemnation and escalating tensions across the region.

The raid involved U.S. forces entering Venezuela’s capital — a move the acting Venezuelan government decried as a military intrusion and invasion, not a lawful arrest. Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Caracas “bows to no other nation,” asserting sovereignty over foreign intervention.

Heavy Casualties Reported; Mourning Declared

Rodríguez announced seven days of national mourning to honor dozens of Venezuelan security personnel and civilians who died during the operation, describing them as martyrs who defended the nation.

The Cuban government, a long-time ally of Maduro, confirmed that 32 Cuban military and police officers stationed in Venezuela were killed during the raid, declaring two days of mourning for the fallen. Havana praised them for their service and said they died either in direct combat or from bombardment during the U.S. operation.

U.S. sources indicate that seven American soldiers were wounded, with at least two in critical condition, though U.S. officials emphasize there were no fatalities among U.S. troops.

Venezuela Labels Operation a War Crime

Venezuela’s Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, has condemned the operation as a possible war crime, calling for a thorough international investigation into the deaths and alleged violations of Venezuelan sovereignty.

Rodríguez declared that Maduro and Flores — who have already made an initial court appearance in New York — should be repatriated immediately, arguing the U.S. action lacked legal authority and bypassed diplomatic channels. Flores appeared in court with visible injuries, her lawyer said, and both she and Maduro pleaded not guilty.

Rift Widens in U.S.–Venezuela Relations

The U.S. government, led by former President Donald Trump, defends the operation as a necessary “targeted law enforcement action” to enforce indictments and combat transnational drug trafficking networks. Trump also warned that Washington may take additional actions should the interim Venezuelan government fail to cooperate.

An American opinion poll by The Washington Post–SSRS finds the issue deeply divided at home, with 40% supporting the arrest, 45% opposed, and 20% unsure — highlighting the contentious nature of U.S. involvement abroad.

International Backlash and Legal Debate

At the United Nations and among global leaders, the raid has sparked heated debate. Several countries characterized the military action as a violation of international law and sovereignty, calling on the Security Council to address what critics term a dangerous precedent for unilateral force.

Meanwhile, Cuba has emphasized its deep security cooperation with Venezuela, framing its personnel’s deaths as heroic while condemning the U.S. operation as “state terrorism.”

Future Stability in Question

With Maduro in U.S. custody and Venezuela’s political landscape in flux, analysts warn of uncertain prospects for regional stability. The episode raises pressing questions about international law, national sovereignty, and the far-reaching consequences of foreign military interventions.

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