US special forces capture Maduro amid fierce Caracas airstrikes

Tensions in Latin America have reached a boiling point following a massive military operation early Saturday morning. US President Donald Trump has claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by American forces. This dramatic development occurred after a series of heavy airstrikes targeted strategic locations in and around the capital city of Caracas.

Reports indicate that the operation was executed by the US Army's elite 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta, commonly known as Delta Force. While President Trump confirmed the extraction of the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, the situation on the ground remains chaotic. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the government is currently unaware of Maduro's exact whereabouts, demanding "immediate proof of life" in a broadcast on state television.

Residents in Caracas described a terrifying night, with at least seven loud explosions rocking the city around 2:00 AM local time. Smoke was seen rising from La Carlota airport, and the sound of low-flying aircraft filled the air. In response, the Venezuelan government has declared a national emergency, accusing the US of targeting civilian sites alongside military bases like Fuerte Tiuna.

International reactions have been swift and divided. Allies of Venezuela, including Iran and Cuba, have strongly condemned the "Nicolas Maduro captured" narrative as a violation of national sovereignty. In India, the CPI(M) issued a statement criticizing the US military aggression. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned US commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity.

As the dust settles, uncertainly looms over the oil-rich nation. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino affirmed that the country's armed forces would resist foreign troops, signaling that the conflict may be far from over.