Explosions in Caracas and the Arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Following a Large-Scale US Military Operation

Venezuela witnessed a large-scale US military operation on Saturday that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to an official announcement from the White House.

The operation, which coincided with a series of explosions in the capital, Caracas, sparked mixed international reactions, ranging from support to condemnation.

Details of the US Military Operation in Venezuela

US President Donald Trump announced that US forces successfully carried out strikes against targets in Venezuela, including military installations, in coordination with law enforcement agencies.

He confirmed that Delta Force special operations units arrested Maduro and his wife, and that they were airlifted out of the country.

Statements from US administration officials indicated that Maduro would be tried in the United States on criminal charges. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated that the Venezuelan president "will finally be tried for his crimes."

Casualties and International Criticism

For her part, the Venezuelan vice president announced that a number of soldiers and civilians were killed during the attacks, without disclosing the exact number.

On the international level, positions varied significantly:

Latin American Position

Chile: President Gabriel Barbosa condemned the US military actions, calling for a peaceful solution.

Colombia: President Gustavo Petro described the attack as "criminal" and called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Cuba: President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the "criminal attack" and accused the United States of "practicing state terrorism."

Bolivia: President Rodrigo Paz considered the bombing a "brutal imperialist aggression" that violated national sovereignty.

International Powers' Position

Russia: Expressed its deep concern and considered the operation an "unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state," and called for a Security Council meeting.

European Union: Despite considering Maduro "illegitimate," the High Representative for Foreign Affairs stressed the need to respect international law and the UN Charter.

Germany: Said it was following the situation "with great concern" and would hold an emergency meeting.

Spain called for a peaceful and negotiated solution that respects international law.

Developments open to all scenarios

The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following US military strikes is a pivotal development that could reshape the political and security landscape in Venezuela and the entire region, amid growing fears of regional escalation or internationalization of the crisis.

There are also concerns about escalating tensions between the United States and its allies on one side, and Russia, China, and the countries supporting Maduro on the other.

Global markets and the international community are watching closely to see what the coming hours and days will bring, given the possibility of international diplomatic intervention or action within the UN Security Council to contain the escalation.

Gold and Oil Price Forecasts Following Developments in Venezuela

Gold

Gold prices are expected to rise at the start of the week. It is very likely that the market will open with an upward price gap.

When a major geopolitical shock occurs (such as a military operation and the arrest of the president of an oil-producing nation), investors quickly turn to safe havens, primarily gold, for several reasons:

• Increased geopolitical uncertainty

• Potential risks to global and energy supplies

Oil

Venezuela is one of the largest oil exporters in the region, and any security or political instability in the country could lead to:

• Disruptions to production

• Disruptions to exports

• Amplified regional risks

This reduces effective supply and accelerates price increases, especially if the operation is linked to armed resistance or spreads to other fronts.

Conversely, if the events later prove to have a limited impact or the political situation is resolved, the market may pare its gains in gold, and oil may also decline.

Please follow events closely. We will be providing real-time updates on our website, OLX Forex.