U.S. forces conducted airstrikes across Venezuela overnight on Friday, culminating in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently flown out of the country, according to an announcement by President Donald Trump. The attack on Caracas follows months of escalating tensions and military activity in the region.

The U.S. Navy had amassed a significant fleet off the Venezuelan coast since September, conducting airstrikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and the Pacific, and seizing Venezuelan oil tankers. These actions were part of what the Trump administration described as a pressure campaign against the Maduro regime.

The White House has yet to release a detailed justification for the attack, but in late November, Trump issued an ultimatum to Maduro to relinquish power, offering him safe passage out of Venezuela. This ultimatum followed years of strained relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, marked by U.S. sanctions and accusations of election rigging and human rights abuses against the Maduro government.

The Venezuelan government has not yet issued an official statement, but reactions from other nations have been swift and varied. Some countries have condemned the U.S. action as a violation of international law and an act of aggression against a sovereign nation. Others have expressed support for the U.S. intervention, citing concerns about the Maduro government's legitimacy and its impact on regional stability.

The long-standing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela stem from differing political ideologies and economic policies. The U.S. has long been critical of Maduro's socialist policies and his government's close ties with countries like Cuba and Russia. Venezuela, in turn, has accused the U.S. of meddling in its internal affairs and attempting to undermine its sovereignty.

The current status of Venezuela's government is unclear. It is unknown who will assume power in Maduro's absence. The U.S. government is expected to release further details about its plans for Venezuela in the coming days. The international community is closely watching the situation, with many calling for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis.