TLDR

  • U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during an overnight raid.
  • Trump stated the United States would temporarily oversee Venezuela to guarantee a safe and appropriate transition of power.
  • He noted the operation wouldn’t cost Americans anything, as Venezuela’s oil reserves would fund all expenses.
  • The U.S. might deploy troops to Venezuela if necessary to uphold stability and fend off a hostile takeover.
  • While some Venezuelan officials criticized the action, others indicated willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities.

U.S. confirmed that American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in an overnight raid, characterizing it as a decisive step to stabilize the country and vowing a U.S.-led transitional government if needed.

U.S. Operation Captures Maduro

American special forces carried out a nighttime mission targeting Maduro’s safe houses in Caracas and successfully detained him during the operation.

The mission caused a short-term power outage in parts of the capital, sparking concern throughout the city until officials restored service.

Trump stated during a press briefing,

“We’re going to run the country until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.”

He maintained the United States acted in Venezuelans’ best interests, expressing readiness to deploy troops to secure control if required.

“We’re not afraid of boots on the ground,” he added, stressing the need to prevent Maduro loyalists from regaining power.

Maduro, who ruled for over 12 years, has been repeatedly accused by Washington of operating a narco-state and fixing elections.

Trump Discusses Control and Oil

Trump offered little information on how the U.S. plans to govern Venezuela in the weeks ahead.

He asserted the action wouldn’t impose a burden on American taxpayers, stating, “It won’t cost us a penny,” and pointing to Venezuela’s oil wealth.

Trump contended the U.S. would be compensated via Venezuela’s petroleum reserves, noting, “The money is coming out of the ground.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is said to have reached out to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, whom Trump called cooperative.

“She really doesn’t have a choice,” Trump stated, saying Rodríguez was willing to follow U.S. instructions.

Yet sources said Rodríguez was in Russia, though Moscow labeled that assertion “fake” and denied she had departed the country.

Venezuelan officials voiced anger, denouncing the raid as an illegal act of aggression and pledging to resist foreign occupation.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino stated, “In the unity of the people we will find the strength to resist and to triumph.”

Reactions from Citizens and Global Leaders

In Maracay, merchant Carolina Pimentel called the news surreal, noting, “It’s like a movie,” but appreciated the subsequent calm.

Small groups of Maduro supporters assembled in Caracas, with soldiers remaining in key locations.

Latin American governments had mixed responses—some backed the removal, while others criticized U.S. intervention.

Argentina’s called it a new chapter for Venezuelan freedom and supported the U.S. action.

Mexico’s government condemned the attack, and Brazil’s President Lula da Silva stated it “crossed an unacceptable line.”

Russia, Iran, and Cuba condemned the operation, accusing Washington of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty and calling for international condemnation.

Tehran urged the U.N. Security Council to stop what it termed “unlawful aggression” against a sovereign state.

The United States hadn’t conducted such a direct regional intervention since the Panama invasion 37 years prior.

As the situation evolves, Maduro is still in U.S. custody, and power dynamics in Venezuela remain unclear.

U.S. officials haven’t confirmed when—or if—a transitional authority will assume control in Venezuela.