The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic overnight military operation, with Donald Trump promising to put the country under temporary American control. The raid, which knocked out electricity in parts of Caracas, was carried out by US Special Forces and left at least 40 dead, according to the New York Times.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said the US would 'run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition'. He added that he was open to sending ground troops if necessary, but insisted the occupation would not cost the US taxpayer because Venezuela's oil revenues would cover the expenses.
A plane carrying Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, landed at an air base in upstate New York on Saturday evening. He is expected to appear in court by Monday. Video released by the White House showed Maduro in handcuffs at the Drug Enforcement Administration offices in New York.
The intervention drew sharp criticism from Democrats and world leaders, who condemned it as a dangerous act of US imperialism. Venezuela's vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, vowed defiance in a televised address, despite Trump's claim that she had said: 'We'll do whatever you need.'
Trump said US oil companies would invest billions to repair Venezuela's infrastructure, adding that a second, larger attack was possible if needed. However, it remains unclear how the US intends to administer the country, as Maduro's government still appears to be in charge.
