BREAKING: U.S. forces have launched a series of targeted strikes across northern Venezuela as part of a complex operation aimed at detaining Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The strikes, which began around 2 a.m. local time Saturday, specifically targeted critical military assets, including surface-to-air missile systems and communications facilities.
Explosions erupted in multiple locations, including the coastal town of Higuerote and the port of La Guaira. Video footage captured the destruction of a Russian-supplied BUK missile system at the Higuerote airport, where multiple explosions were reported, damaging both an aircraft and the airport’s infrastructure.
In a briefing Saturday morning, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that the operation involved over 150 aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, and intelligence-gathering planes. This unprecedented military action reflects escalating tensions as the U.S. aims to apprehend Maduro and dismantle his military capabilities.
Satellite images analyzed by ABC News reveal significant damage at the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas, with at least three separate targets struck. One building, used for housing large military vehicles, was completely destroyed, continuing to billow smoke hours after the attack. Additional strikes impacted communication facilities atop mountain ridges in the El Volcan area, with reports indicating that several antennas were damaged, although their operational status remains unclear.
The Miraflores Palace, located in central Caracas, notably remained untouched during the operation, raising questions about the strategic priorities of U.S. forces. This targeted military action marks a significant escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Venezuelan conflict, as Maduro faces federal charges in the United States and increasing international isolation.
As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the implications of these strikes. Reports indicate that the U.S. aims to destabilize Maduro’s regime by crippling its military infrastructure, a move that could reshape the political landscape in Venezuela.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds, and watch for potential responses from Maduro’s government and international allies.
