Detention of Nicolás Maduro
- The country's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez addressed the citizens, accusing the U.S. of "military aggression" and stating Venezuela's readiness to resist.
- Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the government does not know the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife, urging the U.S. to provide "proof of life" of the president.
- CBS News journalist Jennifer Jacobs reported that Maduro was allegedly detained by American special forces from the "Delta" unit.
- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized that the president of Venezuela "is facing justice for his crimes."
- According to Reuters, an American senator stated that the order for Maduro's arrest could have come from Marco Rubio, so he could answer for criminal charges in the U.S.
- At the same time, Sky News, citing opposition sources, claims that it could have been a "coordinated exit" rather than a violent capture.
- CNN reports that Trump approved the operation to detain Maduro a few days ago, and his location was tracked by the CIA.
- Images allegedly depicting Maduro after his detention are circulating on social media, but their authenticity has not been confirmed.
International Reaction
- The Russian Foreign Ministry stated the need to convene a UN Security Council meeting regarding the situation in Venezuela and expressed support for the Venezuelan people and their leadership.
- The Russian agency also called for clarification of information regarding the possible removal of Maduro and his wife, describing such actions as an infringement on the country's sovereignty.
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko condemned the "American aggression" against Venezuela and warned of serious consequences.
- The head of European diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, noted that she discussed the situation with Marco Rubio, emphasizing the European Union's call for restraint.
- In Brussels, it was stated that the U.S. did not inform its NATO allies about plans for military intervention: European partners learned about the events from the media and have not yet reached a consensus.
- Venezuela officially requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in connection with the actions of the U.S.
