Drug trafficking, illegal immigration into the United States, and the policies of Venezuela’s Communist leadership are being cited as key reasons behind US military action against Venezuela. The operation reportedly led to the “capture” of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on Saturday.
Early the same day, explosions rocked Caracas, Venezuela’s capital. Thick black smoke was seen rising over parts of the city, while aircraft flew overhead, according to witnesses.
Caracas Explosions Trigger National Emergency
The strikes followed months of rising tensions between Washington and Caracas. US President Donald Trump later confirmed that the United States had carried out military action targeting Maduro.
In response, the Venezuelan government declared a national emergency. In an official statement, it said it had rejected what it called “military aggression by the United States”.
Trump Pressured Maduro to Step Down
According to a Reuters report, Trump had been urging Maduro to leave the country. Earlier this week, Trump said it would be "smart" for the Venezuelan leader to step down from power.
The US administration has long accused Maduro of being responsible for Venezuela’s collapse, which has forced millions to flee the country.
Migration Crisis a Key Point of Conflict
Washington has blamed Maduro for the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants in the United States. These migrants are part of nearly 8 million Venezuelans who have fled economic hardship and political repression since 2013, the year Maduro took office.
US officials say this mass migration has created major social and economic pressure both in the region and inside the United States.
Drug Trafficking Allegations Intensify
Trump has also accused the Venezuelan government of allowing large amounts of fentanyl and cocaine to enter the US.
The United States has designated two Venezuelan criminal groups — Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles — as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs). US authorities allege that Cartel de los Soles is led by Maduro himself.
Maduro Rejects Cartel Claims
Maduro has strongly denied any links to drug trafficking. He has accused the United States of using its “war on drugs” as a pretext to remove him from power and gain control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
A BBC report noted that analysts believe Cartel de los Soles is not a structured criminal organisation. Instead, it is described as a term used for corrupt officials who have allowed cocaine shipments to pass through Venezuela.
US Military Buildup in the Region
The latest strikes came as the US expanded its military presence near Venezuela. Washington has deployed an aircraft carrier, warships, and advanced fighter jets across the Caribbean.
Trump has also pushed for a blockade of Venezuelan oil, expanded sanctions, and approved more than two dozen strikes on vessels accused of transporting drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
First Known US Land Operations in Venezuela
Last week, Trump said US forces had hit an area in Venezuela where boats are loaded with drugs. This marked the first known US land operation in Venezuela since the pressure campaign began.
Trump did not confirm whether the CIA carried out the strikes. However, several media reports have claimed that the intelligence agency was involved.
Maduro Faces US Charges, Global Criticism Grows
Maduro is now facing narco-terrorism charges in the United States. At the same time, several countries, including Russia, have criticised the US military action, warning that it could destabilise the region further.