US Attorney General Pam Bondi says Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York.
In an update around 8:40am, she says Maduro has been charged with “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States”.
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” Bondi adds but does not say what his wife has been charged with.
“A huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers,” she adds.
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The United States has conducted a large-scale military strike against Venezuela early this Saturday morning, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown out of the country, in what he described as a coordinated operation with U.S. law enforcement. TIME+1
Massive Strikes and Explosions Across Venezuela
In the early hours, multiple explosions were reported in Caracas — Venezuela’s capital — as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, according to officials and eyewitnesses. Low-flying aircraft were seen over urban areas amid the sounds of blasts. The Guardian
President Trump confirmed on social media that the United States had “successfully carried out a large-scale strike” and that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured and removed from Venezuelan territory. He indicated that more details would follow later in a scheduled press briefing. TIME
Venezuela Declares National Emergency
In response, the Venezuelan government has declared a national state of emergency, denouncing the U.S. operation as “military aggression” and an act of armed attack on Venezuelan sovereignty. Wikipedia
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, speaking on state television, said authorities do not know the current whereabouts of the president or first lady and are demanding “immediate proof of life.” TIME
Venezuelan officials have called on citizens to mobilize and reject what they describe as an “imperialist attack.” CBS News
Regional and International Reactions
The unprecedented military action has drawn global attention, with several nations condemning the strikes and calling for restraint. Venezuelan allies and regional leaders have criticized the operation, and discussions are expected to emerge at international forums.
