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Surprise Military Operation
The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise overnight military operation.
“Trump announced the US carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and claimed Maduro had been captured”
The operation included bombing multiple targets and seizing Maduro and his wife.
The White House said it had assumed operational control of Venezuela.
CNN framed the operation as a test of Trump's legal authority.
The Guardian questioned whether there was any legal justification for the US attack.
Global Condemnation
China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea condemned the operation.
Latin American countries reacted with historic disunity.
The European Union issued a joint statement urging calm and restraint.
The UN and the Vatican called for avoiding escalation.
Trump-friendly leaders formed a loose coalition of support.
Domestic Reactions
The capture divided Americans and Venezuelan expatriates.
“We're removing a guy that the Venezuelan people itself could not do”
Hundreds protested in Washington and other US cities.
María Corina Machado celebrated the action.
Scholars questioned the legality and morality of the operation.
Princeton's Scheppele called it a blatant violation of international law.