US Snatches Venezuela’s Maduro in First Direct Military Attack on South America

**US Snatches Venezuela’s Maduro in First Direct Military Attack on South America** The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise military operation, marking the first direct US military attack on a South American nation in history and sparking a deep political split across Latin America [47126][41064][41460]. US forces struck Caracas on Saturday, detaining Maduro, 63, and his wife before transporting them to New York, where he faces drug trafficking charges [41880][41460]. President Donald Trump announced the capture, declaring that "American dominance in the western hemisphere will never be questioned again" [41064] and stating the US will run Venezuela’s government without setting a date for new elections [41460]. Regional reactions are sharply divided. While some governments quietly applaud the action, others condemn it as a dangerous violation of sovereignty and international law [47126][47297]. Colombia and Brazil have offered cautious support, while Mexico and Bolivia denounce the move [47297]. Despite public disagreements, analysts say every Latin American capital is now privately asking: "Who could be next?" [47297]. The operation sets a major precedent for direct foreign intervention, forcing governments across the region to reassess their relationships with Washington [47126][47297]. Experts warn this aggressive move revives the Monroe Doctrine—the long-standing US policy opposing foreign powers in the Americas—and is expected to discourage Latin American nations from deepening ties with Beijing [41460], which has invested heavily in the region and is now the leading trading partner and lender for many South American countries [45747]. The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Monday after Venezuela requested the session to address the incident [41880]. U.S. Capture of Venezuela's Maduro Sends Shockwaves Through Latin America **U.S. Capture of Maduro Sends Shockwave Through Latin America** U.S. Captures Venezuela's Leader, Challenging China's Regional Reach Trump Revives US Habit of Ousting Latin American Leaders Venezuela's President Seized by U.S., Faces Court in New York Trump Targets Latin America, But China Holds the Lead Trump Orders First Direct US Military Attack on South America