Colombia was “aware of potential plans” to abduct Maduro: CNN
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- Colombia says it was aware of possible plans to abduct Maduro but not the timing or execution.
- US did not notify Bogotá before carrying out the operation; Congress was informed afterward.
A Colombian source told CNN that Bogotá had been aware of potential plans by the United States to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro but did not know when or how such an operation would be carried out.
Read more: US strikes Venezuela, Trump says military “captured” President Maduro
The source confirmed that the US did not inform Colombia prior to the operation. Notifications to Congress and key committees only began after the capture had taken place, according to the report.
This statement underscores tensions and lack of coordination between the US and regional governments amid the controversial military operation in Venezuela.
US operation shocks region
On January 3, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States had carried out a “large‑scale strike” against Venezuela, resulting in the reported capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump said both were flown out of Venezuela and will face criminal charges in U.S. courts on allegations including narco‑terrorism.
Explosions and low‑flying military aircraft were reported over Caracas and other parts of the capital, marking the most significant US military intervention in Latin America in decades. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores and condemned the strikes as “military aggression”, according to The Washington Post.
Read more: US strikes Venezuela, Trump says military “captured” President Maduro
Regional tensions and U.S. strategy
Tensions between Washington and Caracas had been escalating for months. The Trump administration repeatedly accused Maduro’s government of drug trafficking and destabilizing activities, even placing a bounty on his arrest. US forces had previously conducted military strikes on alleged drug‑related targets in Venezuela as part of an expanded pressure campaign in the region, according to The Guardian.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed “deep concern” over the US action, rejecting unilateral military intervention and emphasizing support for diplomatic and peaceful resolution of disputes. Bogotá also moved to deploy security forces along the Venezuela border to prepare for potential refugee flows and humanitarian impacts.
