US Forces Capture Venezuelan President Maduro; Trump Looks to Expand Regional Control
Key Takeaways
- U.S. special forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas.
- The operation triggered regional alarm and international condemnation of the raid.
- Analysts and outlets discuss impending U.S. expansion signaling broader targets in Latin America.
US-Israeli Strikes in Iran Kill Over 200 People
US and Israeli forces carried out coordinated strikes inside Iran, killing at least 201 people according to the Iranian Red Crescent.
The deadliest single strike hit a girls school in Minab, killing at least 153 children and staff.
AP News confirmed the school strike but attributed it to anonymous officials while the Pentagon confirmed six US service members killed.
The Atlantic Council described the campaign as a major shift to pursuing regime change.
Iran Retaliates, Closes Strait of Hormuz
Iran retaliated by declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed and launching missile strikes on Israel that killed 11 people.
Iran's defense ministry threatened no mercy or forgiveness after US-Israeli strikes assassinated Khamenei.
The closure of the Strait triggered immediate economic shockwaves.
Trump Threatens Colombia, Cuba, Greenland
Trump warned Colombia's President Petro to watch his ass and said military action sounds good to me.
Trump predicted Cuba's government could soon collapse, claiming Cuba only survives because of Venezuela.
Trump doubled down on his desire to annex Greenland.
Latin American Leaders Condemn US-Ops
President Petro condemned the attack as aggression against Venezuela and Latin America.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva said the US actions crossed an unacceptable line.
Mexico called the strikes a violation of the UN Charter.
Cuba's Díaz-Canel labeled the US action state terrorism.
Humanitarian Crisis Looms
Colombia deployed security forces along the border to prepare for refugees.
The region braced for disruption as the US-initiated war sparked economic turmoil.
Markets calculated the risk of a civil war versus potential oil recovery.
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