Confusion over US Airstrikes in Venezuela and Claims of Maduro's Capture
Reports of alleged US airstrikes in the Venezuelan capital Caracas and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro have created a stir in the international media. On Saturday (January 03), a European media outlet claimed that US special forces detained Maduro in a secret operation. However, no official confirmation has come from the Pentagon or the White House yet. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government dismissed it as 'imperialist propaganda'.
News of Attack and Videos
Some videos have circulated on social media where fighter jets are seen flying in the sky of Caracas and sounds of explosions are heard. However, the authenticity of the videos could not be verified. Some sources claim US drones hit key military installations in Venezuela. In this situation, the army has been deployed on the streets of Caracas and extreme panic prevails among common people.
Mystery over Maduro's Whereabouts
President Maduro has not been seen in public for the last 24 hours, which has further fueled rumors. Venezuela's Information Minister said in a tweet that the President is safe and will address the nation soon. However, the opposition claims Maduro has lost control and is in hiding. US officials are maintaining 'strategic silence' on the matter.
Russia and China's Reaction
Maduro's close allies Russia and China have strongly condemned this incident. The Kremlin spokesman said, "Such an attack on the leader of a sovereign country is a violation of international law." Beijing also called for restraint. They warned that foreign intervention in Venezuela would destroy regional stability and create instability in oil prices in the world market.
Fear of Instability in Latin America
Venezuela's neighboring countries have beefed up security at the borders. Leaders of Colombia and Brazil sat in an emergency meeting. They fear that a flood of refugees could descend if civil war or conflict starts in Venezuela. Leftist leaders of Latin America expressed solidarity with Maduro. The world is waiting anxiously to see which way the situation turns.
