US invades Venezuela, launches missile attacks

• President Maduro and his wife arrested

• Venezuela demands proof that Maduro is alive

• Drug trafficking from Venezuela to the US cited as reason for the attack

• US President Donald Trump ordered the attack

• US fighter jets strike Venezuelan military bases

Washington DC (USA) – The United States carried out a missile attack on the capital city of Caracas, Venezuela, on the night of January 2. The first strike was launched at around 2 am local time. According to US broadcaster CBS News, President Donald Trump had ordered attacks on Venezuelan military bases and several key locations. The Venezuelan government has not issued an immediate response to the incident. Trump had earlier alleged that Venezuela is involved in drug trafficking into the United States and that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro himself is implicated in these activities. The United States has previously targeted several vessels allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela. In those separate attacks, 105 people were reportedly killed.

1. Several videos of the attack have surfaced. One video shows 10 US aircraft flying at low altitude over a Venezuelan city.

2. Around 10 aircraft were seen flying at low altitude over Caracas. Loud explosions were heard in many parts of the city, and power supply has been disrupted in some areas.

3. Following the explosions, residents in various parts of the city rushed out onto the streets in panic.

4. In retaliation for the military action taken by the Trump administration, Venezuela has reportedly detained a large number of US citizens.

5. A state of emergency has been declared in Venezuela.

Trump claims President Maduro has been taken into custody

Trump has claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been taken into custody by the United States. Venezuela’s defence minister has stated that Maduro and his wife are missing. Venezuela has demanded that the United States provide proof that Maduro is alive.

America’s self-interest behind the attack on Venezuela

1. Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have persisted for several decades. In 1976, Venezuela nationalised its oil industry. As a result, foreign companies seeking to extract oil in Venezuela were required to operate under the country’s state-owned oil enterprises. This made it difficult for US oil companies to access Venezuelan oil.

2. Relations between President Trump and President Maduro have deteriorated. It is being said that Trump wants regime change in Venezuela and is therefore exerting pressure on Maduro through various means.

Editorial Perspective

The United States does not spare any country that harms its own interests, whereas India has been unable to stop the damage caused by Pakistan for the past 78 years—this is the reality. Like the United States, the government should now adopt an aggressive stance and finally take up the resolve to destroy Pakistan.