US Airstrike Kills 40 in Venezuela; Maduro Detained in Swift Operation

• At least 40 people, including military personnel and civilians, died in a US airstrike in Caracas, Venezuela, following escalating tensions.
• A large-scale US military operation led to the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
• US officials cited ineffective non-military options against drug trafficking and regional risks as the reason for the operation, authorized by Donald Trump.
• The Pentagon described it as a targeted, time-limited operation focusing on speed and precision, hitting critical command-and-control facilities.
• International reactions include condemnation from Russia, China, EU, and others, with Venezuela appealing to the UN Security Council.

Why It Matters: US military action in Venezuela led to Maduro's detention and civilian casualties, sparking global concern.