Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, declared on Saturday that an official statement would soon be released concerning the United States' military action against Venezuela. This move has sparked a wave of international reactions.
"The Russian Foreign Ministry will shortly issue a declaration on Washington's aggression towards Caracas," Zakharova announced via her Telegram channel, according to Prensa Latina.
In response to the U.S. offensive, the Venezuelan government declared a national state of emergency, placing its military forces on high alert. This decree was signed by Nicolás Maduro. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Iván Gil confirmed the action and urged citizens to "mobilize against the imperialist aggression."
Meanwhile, Sergei Melik-Bagdasarov, the Russian ambassador in Caracas, asserted that Moscow's embassy remains "fully operational" and continues its diplomatic duties. The ambassador noted that smoke was visible in certain areas of the capital, but assured that the Russian facility "suffered no damage."
Trump's Bold Claim of Maduro's Capture
On social media, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced that American forces had "captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife" during a large-scale military operation.
"Maduro, along with his spouse, has been taken out of the country," Trump stated, adding that he would provide further details in a press conference scheduled for 11:00 a.m. local time at Mar-a-Lago.
As of now, there is no independent confirmation from the State Department, the Pentagon, or international agencies regarding the Venezuelan leader's capture.
The announcement, however, has sent shockwaves throughout the political and media landscape of the region, as official statements from both Washington and Moscow are eagerly awaited.
This development has placed Latin America and the world on edge, with the potential for a diplomatic escalation involving the United States, Russia, and Maduro's allied countries.
Key Questions on the Venezuela-U.S. Tensions
What was the response of the Venezuelan government to the U.S. military action?
The Venezuelan government declared a national state of emergency and placed its military on high alert following the U.S. action.
Has there been confirmation of Nicolás Maduro's capture?
As of now, there has been no independent confirmation from the State Department, Pentagon, or international agencies regarding the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
What impact has Trump's announcement had on the region?
Trump's announcement has created a significant political and media impact across the region, with expectations for further official statements from Washington and Moscow.