TLDR
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in an overnight raid.
- Trump said the United States would oversee Venezuela temporarily to ensure a safe and proper transition of power.
- He stated that the operation would not cost Americans because Venezuela’s oil reserves would cover all expenses.
- The U.S. may send troops to Venezuela if needed to maintain stability and prevent a hostile takeover.
- Some Venezuelan officials condemned the action while others showed signs of cooperation with U.S. authorities.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in an overnight raid, describing it as a decisive action to stabilize the country, and promising a U.S.-led transitional government if necessary.
U.S. Operation Captures Maduro
American special forces conducted a nighttime operation targeting Maduro’s safe houses in Caracas and successfully apprehended him during the raid.
The mission briefly disrupted power in some areas of the capital, raising alarm across the city before officials restored electricity.
Trump stated during a press briefing,
“We’re going to run the country until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.”
He insisted the United States acted in the interest of Venezuelans, expressing readiness to deploy troops to secure control if required.
“We’re not afraid of boots on the ground,” he added, emphasizing the need to prevent Maduro loyalists from regaining power.
Maduro, who ruled Venezuela for over 12 years, has faced repeated accusations from Washington of running a narco-state and rigging elections.
Trump Discusses Control and Oil
Trump provided few details on how the U.S. intends to administer Venezuela in the coming weeks.
He claimed the move would not burden American taxpayers, saying, “It won’t cost us a penny,” referencing Venezuela’s oil wealth.
Trump argued the U.S. would be reimbursed through Venezuela’s petroleum reserves, saying, “The money is coming out of the ground.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly contacted Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, whom Trump described as cooperative.
“She really doesn’t have a choice,” Trump said, quoting Rodríguez as willing to comply with U.S. directives.
However, sources stated Rodríguez was in Russia, while Moscow called that claim “fake,” denying she had left the country.
Venezuelan officials expressed outrage, calling the raid an illegal act of aggression and vowing 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 described the news as surreal, saying, “It’s like a movie,” but welcomed the calm that followed.
Small crowds loyal to Maduro gathered in Caracas, while soldiers maintained a presence in key areas.
Latin American governments responded with mixed reactions, with some supporting the removal while others condemned U.S. intervention.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei called it a new chapter for Venezuelan freedom and backed the U.S. action.
Mexico’s government criticized the attack, and Brazil’s President Lula da Silva said it “crossed an unacceptable line.”
Russia, Iran, and Cuba denounced the operation, accusing Washington of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty and urged international condemnation.
Tehran called on the U.N. Security Council to halt what it called “unlawful aggression” against a sovereign nation.
The United States had not carried out such a direct regional intervention since the Panama invasion 37 years ago.
As the situation develops, Maduro remains in U.S. custody, while power dynamics in Venezuela remain uncertain.
U.S. officials have not confirmed when or if a transitional authority will take charge inside Venezuela.
