US President Trump Claims Control Over Venezuela Following Maduro’s Capture
US President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will “run” Venezuela until a “safe” political transition takes place following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an overnight operation. The statement came after a surprise airstrike on multiple targets in the country, which reportedly led to Maduro’s arrest.
Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trump emphasized that the U.S. presence in Venezuela is not temporary but rather a long-term commitment. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” he said. He added, “It has to be judicious, because that’s what we’re all about. We want peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela.”
Trump also claimed that the U.S. was already in place, though no immediate signs of direct control were evident. He expressed no fear of deploying U.S. troops in the region, stating, “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground.” However, he provided few details on how the U.S. would oversee the transition.
Operation to Capture Maduro Described as Complex and Successful
The operation to capture Maduro was described by General Dan Caine as one of the most complex missions in recent history. “The word integration does not explain the sheer complexity of such a mission, an extraction so precise it involved more than 150 aircraft launching across the Western Hemisphere,” Caine said during a joint news conference with Trump.
Trump himself watched the operation from his Mar-a-Lago estate, comparing it to “watching a television show.” He praised the precision and speed of the operation, calling it “an amazing thing” and an “extremely successful operation.” He added that the mission served as a warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives.
US Oil Companies Set to Enter Venezuela
In another development, Trump announced that major U.S. oil companies would enter Venezuela following the arrest of Maduro. “We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country,” he said.
This move comes amid claims by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that Trump was “deadly serious about getting back oil that was stolen from us.” The U.S. government has accused Maduro of stealing oil resources, which it now aims to reclaim.
Image of Maduro in Captivity Shared by Trump
Trump shared an image on his Truth Social feed showing Maduro in custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima. According to the president, Maduro is en route to New York to face charges of “narco-terrorism conspiracy.” This development has raised concerns among international observers and regional leaders.
Germany Issues Travel Warning for Venezuela
The German Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning for the entire country of Venezuela, advising Germans in the country to stay in safe locations. The decision followed a crisis meeting, with the ministry stating it was in close contact with its embassy in Caracas. A spokesperson called on all parties to avoid actions that could escalate the situation and to seek a political settlement.
Opposition Leader Calls for Transition
Venezuela’s opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, stated that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez should assume the presidency. She argued that Maduro’s removal was necessary after he refused a negotiated exit and stressed the importance of “popular sovereignty and national sovereignty” in Venezuela. Gonzalez also pledged to lead the country’s “reconstruction.”
Russia Calls for Release of Maduro and Wife
Russia strongly urged the U.S. to release Maduro and his wife, describing him as the “legally elected president of a sovereign country.” The Russian Foreign Ministry called for dialogue to resolve the conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela, emphasizing the need for peaceful solutions.
UN Chief Warns of Dangerous Precedent
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalation in Venezuela, calling the U.S. action a “dangerous precedent.” He warned that the operation could have worrying implications for the region and stressed the importance of respecting international law, including the UN Charter.
France Criticizes U.S. Military Action
France criticized the U.S. military strikes on Venezuela, warning of “serious consequences to global security.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that while Maduro had “gravely violated” the rights of Venezuelans, the military operation undermined international law and the principle of non-use of force.
Analysts View Trump’s Actions as Regime Change
Analysts suggest that Trump’s actions in Venezuela are part of a broader effort to assert American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Scott Lucas, a professor of American studies, noted that the operation aligns with Trump’s goal of reasserting U.S. power. “America dominates it and they could be using Venezuela as an example of this, that what America says goes,” Lucas said.
He also pointed out that while the U.S. has captured Maduro, the real challenge lies in maintaining order and preventing a breakdown of civil society in Venezuela.
Images of U.S. Strikes on Venezuela
Venezuela Rejects Foreign Troop Presence
Venezuela has rejected the presence of foreign troops, stating it “rejects with all our strength” any external interference in its affairs. The country’s ruling party leader, Nahum Fernandez, described the operation as a “kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country.”
Vice President Vance Praises U.S. Operation
U.S. Vice President JD Vance praised the U.S. strikes on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro, calling it a “truly impressive operation.” He noted that Trump had offered Maduro “multiple off ramps” but emphasized that the U.S. was clear: “the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States.”
