Donald Trump announced that US forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a series of airstrikes across Venezuela. The operation, which included explosions in Caracas before dawn, culminated in Maduro being flown out of the country.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that Maduro will face trial in New York on narco-terrorism charges, with a fresh indictment issued on Saturday. Trump posted a picture on Truth Social showing Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima, and the White House released a video appearing to show Maduro handcuffed at DEA offices.
The attack marks the largest direct US military action in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion. It followed months of US pressure, including a naval buildup off Venezuela's coast since September, airstrikes on alleged drug trafficking boats, and seizure of oil tankers. Human rights groups report at least 110 deaths from the strikes, which they say could constitute war crimes.
Trump stated the US would 'run the country' until a leadership transition and that US oil companies would enter Venezuela. However, Venezuela's military appears to remain in control. The country's supreme court ordered Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez to assume acting presidency during Maduro's 'temporary absence'. Trump claimed Rodríguez had offered support to Washington, saying 'She really doesn’t have a choice.'
Trump dismissed Venezuela's democratic opposition, stating that Nobel peace prize winner María Corina Machado lacks the necessary respect and support to lead. The international community has been taken aback by the brazen interference.
