In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the United States launched a significant military operation targeting Venezuela, specifically President Nicolás Maduro. This announcement came early Saturday morning from former President Donald Trump, who revealed that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and transported out of the country.
The operation coincides with developments in U.S. federal law enforcement, as Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that both Maduro and Flores are facing serious legal consequences. They have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple charges, including drug trafficking and weapons offenses. This indictment signals a broadening of U.S. efforts to hold Venezuelan leadership accountable for what are described as crimes contributing to a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country.
Financial markets responded to the news with noticeable fluctuations. In the early hours following the reports of military action in Venezuela, cryptocurrency prices experienced a slight dip. Bitcoin, one of the most significant cryptocurrencies, fell by approximately 0.5%, lowering its value from around $90,179.73 to $89,300. However, by just before 9 a.m. ET, Bitcoin began to recover slightly, trading just under the $90,000 mark.
In light of these developments, President Trump has scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. ET, where he is expected to provide further insights into the operation and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. The situation is evolving rapidly, and many are anticipating further statements from government officials and responses from the international community.
