Daily brief
A US military operation in Caracas aimed at capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro resulted in the deaths of at least 24 Venezuelan security officers, according to authorities. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire near the presidential palace and a major military base, causing panic among residents. A Pentagon official stated around 200 US troops were involved in the mission.
The capture of Nicolás Maduro has sparked debate over international law and is viewed as a test of China's regional influence, while reportedly dealing a blow to Cuban intelligence services.
The CIA reportedly concluded that Maduro loyalists should lead Venezuela after his capture, while US Senator Marco Rubio linked the operation to countering Iran and Hezbollah.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency and deployed armed militias in the streets as the new leadership attempts to impose its authority (ongoing coverage).
The UN stated the world is less safe after the US action in Venezuela, and US allies have offered a muted response to the operation.