In what might be the most dramatic turn in U.S.-Venezuela relations in decades, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is publicly demanding proof that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are still alive following their capture during an American military operation.

Here's what went down: The U.S. launched a large-scale strike on Venezuela's capital, Caracas, in the early morning hours on Saturday. The operation resulted in the capture of Maduro and Flores, who were reportedly flown out of the country. President Donald Trump announced the news himself on Truth Social, posting: "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country."

Rodriguez's response was swift and pointed. According to TeleSUR English, she stated: "In the face of this brutal attack we at this moment do not know the place in which the President Nicolás Maduro is, along with his wife, so we are demanding President Donald Trump a proof of life of President Nicolaas Maduro and also the first Lady Cilia Flores."

This isn't just political theater. The capture of a sitting head of state marks a significant escalation in the long-running conflict between Washington and Caracas. The U.S. has spent years criticizing Maduro's government for alleged human rights violations and economic mismanagement that turned oil-rich Venezuela into an economic disaster zone.

The bigger question now: What happens next? Rodriguez's demand for proof of life highlights the uncertainty surrounding this rapidly developing situation. The incident could dramatically reshape U.S.-Venezuela relations and have broader implications for global politics and energy markets. All eyes are on Washington to see how it responds.