The world is reeling as President Trump claims a daring US strike in Caracas has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro! Explosions rocked the city as jets zoomed through the skies in the dead of night. Trump brags that Maduro and his wife are on a one-way flight out!

Venezuela's crisis hits fever pitch after months of escalating tensions with the US. The operation follows a series of diplomatic spats and sanctions that have battered the volatile region. Rumors of military buildup buzzed louder until they broke wide open in a fiery assault.

Experts are divided. Some hail the bold move as a necessary blow to tyranny, while critics slam it as reckless. Social media’s alight with fierce debates, citizens rattled by the late-night strikes. The world watches, breath bated, as the dust settles on this geopolitical thunderstorm.

What’s next? As Washington and Caracas brace for fallout, all eyes turn to the power vacuum in Venezuela. Can peace rise from the chaos, or is the storm just beginning? Stay tuned!

Key Takeaways

• TRUMP'S BOLD CLAIM: In a dramatic night op, he says Maduro’s captured!

• BOOMING EXPLOSIONS: Caracas rocked by a blitz of military might!

• GLOBAL AFTERSHOCKS: Ripples of uncertainty spread worldwide!

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from THE EXPRESS 2025-01-03

 

 

 

Getting rid of Maduro -- GOOD.

The consequences of doing it the way Trump has -- VERY RISKY.

The "wisdom" or lack thereof (bizarre to use the word wisdom relating to Trump) of his decision will not be known for a long time.

So where is Trump's pressure on Putin? CRICKETS.

GOP senator says Rubio told him "no further action in Venezuela" expected

50m ago

Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said early Saturday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had told him he "anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody."

In a post on X, Lee said he spoke with Rubio on the phone. He said he was told Maduro was arrested, "to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States," and "the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant."

Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah also expressed skepticism, saying in a post on X: "I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force

https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/venezuela-us-military-strikes-maduro-trump/

Don't like to toot my own horn but in this case I'll make an exception @Alan Zweibel

28 minutes ago, JerryM said:

Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah also expressed skepticism, saying in a post on X: "I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force

There would be no consequences either way.

Whos next ? Iran ? WW3 ? The arms dealer's mouths are watering again ? Replace Maduro with that lady who is a Trump puppet and will as usual only cater to her cronies. Will it really change ? or just a shift on who will continue enjoying wealth and power. But in any case, as usual, it's the poor, the aged, the weak civilians who won't see any change and maybe it could just get a bit worse. No big deal for them.

25 minutes ago, Oliver Holzerfilled said:

Don't like to toot my own horn but in this case I'll make an exception @Alan Zweibel

Panama is a small country with a long term US military President there. You think that removing Maduro and a few of his cronies is going to eliminate the narcotrafficantes? Who's going to do the changing? The military? The police? You think that Americans are going to support a long term commitment of US troops on the ground there?

You think Trump's statements about taking back stolen oil resources was received by Venezuelans with rapturous joy?

They will bring Maduro back to U S A , where Trump will pardon him,

well he has don't it for lots of other criminals ,did he declare war on

Venezuela ,

regards worgeordie

5 minutes ago, Sigmund said:

Whos next ? Iran ? WW3 ? The arms dealer's mouths are watering again ? Replace Maduro with that lady who is a Trump puppet and will as usual only cater to her cronies. Will it really change ? or just a shift on who will continue enjoying wealth and power. But in any case, as usual, it's the poor, the aged, the weak civilians who won't see any change and maybe it could just get a bit worse. No big deal for them.

Cuba.

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

Experts are divided. Some hail the bold move as a necessary blow to tyranny, while critics slam it as reckless. Social media’s alight with fierce debates, citizens rattled by the late-night strikes. The world watches, breath bated, as the dust settles on this geopolitical thunderstorm.

The politics of this is a bit debased given that the populace, especially that of the citizens of Venezuela are all for this action. It seems those meandering opposing rhetoric of this legal action are a bit confused about the further progress and wellbeing of civilization.

Here we go again…..

Capturing Maduro does not solve anything. The political vacuum will destabilised Venezuela. Maduro loyalists will not give up power easily. They are still the government and will hold power by force if necessary and will rig the next election. Is this another distraction from Trump’s domestic problems?

14 minutes ago, Tug said:

Here we go again…..

Most likely.

There is zero chance that there is a comprehensive plan for Venezuela after Maduro's removal. His removal is not magic.

What to call this?

A special military operation?

Where have i heard this before?

1 hour ago, Alan Zweibel said:

Panama is a small country with a long term US military President there. You think that removing Maduro and a few of his cronies is going to eliminate the narcotrafficantes? Who's going to do the changing? The military? The police? You think that Americans are going to support a long term commitment of US troops on the ground there?

You think Trump's statements about taking back stolen oil resources was received by Venezuelans with rapturous joy?

I should have checked the dictattion. For "President" read "presence"

Hope UK is next for a forced regime change.

4 minutes ago, Kinnock said:

Hope UK is next for a forced regime change.

What are you on about? Labour has done more in 12 months than the Tories did in 14 years stop reading the mail express and Telegraph mind cooked

According to Sec. State Rubio, Maduro is NOT the president of Venezuela. He is the head of a narcoterrorist gang called Cartel de Los Soles, and will be put on trial in the US for his crimes.

Justice Department seized or froze $700 million in assets, including two private jets, and 30 tons of Venezuelan Marching Powder

3 minutes ago, Jim Mac said:

What are you on about? Labour has done more in 12 months than the Tories did in 14 years stop reading the mail express and Telegraph mind cooked

4 minutes ago, Jim Mac said:

What are you on about? Labour has done more in 12 months than the Tories did in 14 years stop reading the mail express and Telegraph mind cooked

Good one - such a dry sense of British humour 🤣

The previous government set the bar very low, but the current one has managed to limbo dance under it.

45 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Capturing Maduro does not solve anything. The political vacuum will destabilised Venezuela. Maduro loyalists will not give up power easily. They are still the government and will hold power by force if necessary and will rig the next election. Is this another distraction from Trump’s domestic problems?

Political vacuum. Are you sure? I'll guarantee that ground work was done on this before the snatch and grab and hopefully the legitimate government will take the reigns. As for holding power by force I reckon that Trump has just displayed the possible consequences of such actions. This wasn't some covert snatch and grab. It was a show of force.

24 minutes ago, jvs said:

What to call this?

A special military operation?

Where have i heard this before?

I think you'll find it was a law enforcement action supported with and by the military.

4 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Political vacuum. Are you sure? I'll guarantee that ground work was done on this before the snatch and grab. As for holding power by force I reckon that Trump has just displayed the possible consequences of such actions. This wasn't some covert snatch and grab. It was a show of force.

EXXON has a plan.

Ok fine so, happy now America ?

So now it's time to lift the very despicable American sanctions against cheap Venezuelian oil and flood the world markets with it.

This should ease the tensions on oil prices that are unbearable since the very absurd American sanctions against the cheap Russian gas. World leaders should keep in mind that their consumers, no matter where, do not give a sh... about politics. What people do not want is more inflation and excuses used by the corrupt all over the world, who are using the excuse of US sanctions against Russia, as to increase their prices. This is creating social unrest all over the west and the world. It is something that can lead to very harsh social tensions and protests on the streets - no matter in which country.

3 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Getting rid of Maduro -- GOOD.

The consequences of doing it the way Trump has -- VERY RISKY.

The "wisdom" or lack thereof (bizarre to use the word wisdom relating to Trump) of his decision will not be known for a long time.

So where is Trump's pressure on Putin? CRICKETS.

And Netanyahu, who is doing a lot worse than Putin.

Exactly the same as the US did in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fake war for Oil.

You yanks should be embarrassed.

Netanyahu will use the distraction to kill a few hundred more in the coming days.

Maybe some commandos can capture Trump and deliver him to the Hague. Apparently it is OK to capture foreign leaders.

3 minutes ago, JimCM said:

Exactly the same as the US did in Iraq and Afghanistan. Oil.

You yanks should be embarrassed.

Interestingly because of Venezuela's natural resources it once had one of the best GDP's in the world. Now it lags behind Haiti. Maybe, just maybe what Trump has done is a good thing. Not many in Venezuela will be shedding tears that's for sure. Let's hope the country can get back on it's feet.

Now I understand why China is building up it's armed forces.

Securing a supply of oil, gold, silver and rare earth minerals requires a strong military.

The total failure of the impotent UN has allowed a return to pre WWII international trade strategy. Perhaps WWIII will be the eventual outcome.

Just now, cjinchiangrai said:

Apparently it is OK to capture foreign leaders.

Maduro was a dictator. He was not the legitimate leader of Venezuela. Around 70% voted against him last election.