The United States launched a military operation in Caracas on Saturday, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Donald Trump announced that the US would temporarily take control of the country, promising to oversee a transition.
US Special Forces seized Maduro in or near one of his safe houses during an overnight raid that cut electricity in parts of the capital. The New York Times reported at least 40 deaths, including civilians and Venezuelan soldiers.
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were flown to New York, landing at Stewart Air National Guard Base. They are expected to appear in court by Monday. Video shared by the White House showed Maduro in handcuffs at DEA offices.
Trump said US oil companies would invest billions to repair Venezuela's infrastructure and that the US would be reimbursed from oil revenues. He did not rule out sending more troops, stating, 'We're not afraid of boots on the ground.'
The operation drew condemnation from Democrats and international leaders as an act of imperialism. Meanwhile, Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez, who was reportedly sworn in after Maduro's capture, gave a defiant televised address, contradicting Trump's claim that she had agreed to cooperate.
