UPDATE: The U.S. military launched a **high-profile operation** in Venezuela early Saturday, resulting in the capture of President **Nicolás Maduro**, igniting celebrations among Venezuelan communities in Southern California while sparking protests against U.S. military actions.
At **Pepiteria +55** in **Gardena**, the mood was electric as owner **Maria Rondón** reported a surge of customers eager to celebrate. “We are happy; what we dreamt and longed for has finally come,” she exclaimed, reflecting the collective joy of her patrons over the unprecedented military strike.
The operation saw the U.S. military engage in **airstrikes against key locations** in Caracas, targeting Maduro, who has faced U.S. federal charges for allegedly leading a drug cartel. Following the strikes, Maduro and his wife were reportedly taken into custody and transported to New York to face charges.
“We watched the news last night and couldn’t believe it,” Rondón shared. “After crying for so many years due to the pain inflicted by the government, we felt our prayers had been answered.”
However, not all reactions were celebratory. Local activist groups swiftly organized protests across **Los Angeles** and **Rancho Cucamonga**, condemning the U.S. military action. Organizations like **Union del Barrio** and **CodePink** expressed their outrage, urging for diplomatic solutions rather than military intervention.
California lawmakers voiced strong opposition to the strikes. **Senator Alex Padilla** stated, “Trump’s military action is unlawful without Congressional approval. There’s no clear objective or plan for what comes next.” Meanwhile, **Representative Young Kim** supported the strikes, denouncing Maduro as a “brutal dictator and indicted narco-terrorist.”
In **Pasadena**, **Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine** was bustling with patrons celebrating the news. Owner **Jessica Baker** described the atmosphere as a mix of laughter and tears, noting how the community has long awaited this moment. “We’ve waited for 30 years for any president to take this action,” she said, holding back tears of joy.
Despite the celebrations, many families in Venezuela are still in shock, sheltering at home amidst uncertainty. “This is an emotional time for us all,” Baker continued. “For the first time in decades, we have a glimpse of hope.”
The emotional impact resonates deeply across the Venezuelan diaspora. **Norah Briceno**, a resident of **Laguna Beach**, reported that her family in Venezuela expressed a mix of happiness and fear. “We have hope,” she stated, reflecting the sentiments shared by many in the community.
The strikes come after months of escalating tensions, including previous U.S. operations targeting Venezuelan drug trafficking. At a press conference, President **Donald Trump** emphasized that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela until a “judicious” transfer of power occurs, asserting control over the country’s oil fields to stabilize production.
As the dust settles, the international community watches closely, grappling with the implications of this military action. Venezuelans everywhere are left wondering what comes next.
Rondón concluded with a hopeful outlook: “We hope Venezuela is rebuilt to how it used to be, a welcoming place with a thriving economy.” Community members are poised for the next steps, uniting in hope for a brighter future.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.
