The United States conducted a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
According to officials, the elite US Army Delta Force led the operation, which swiftly removed Maduro from power and transported him out of the country, CBC news reported.
President Donald Trump confirmed the action in a Saturday press conference, stating, “We’re going to be running [Venezuela] with a group and we’re going to make sure it’s run properly.” He pledged that the United States would temporarily oversee the country’s administration while working with US allies and officials.
Trump projected that the US would help rebuild Venezuela’s critical oil infrastructure, with the costs covered by international oil companies. “We’re going to get the oil flowing the way it should be,” he said, emphasising plans for rebuilding and revitalising the country’s shattered economy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that Maduro, who has long been accused by US authorities of drug trafficking, had faced “multiple, very generous offers” to leave power peacefully, but declined. He is now expected to face longstanding US criminal charges and will “soon face the full might of American justice,” President Trump said.
The operation followed months of heightened US military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. Recent weeks have seen US forces seize oil tankers and strike boats suspected of trafficking narcotics from Venezuela. Trump called Maduro “the kingpin of a vast criminal network,” alleging ties to networks smuggling drugs into the United States.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the mission’s precision and effectiveness, warning that US adversaries should “remain on notice.” He described the mission as a message that America’s reach and justice can extend anywhere in the world.
President Trump assured the public that while US ground forces remain ready for further action if necessary, the initial operation was so successful that further strikes may not be needed. The president also noted that Maduro and his wife are currently being escorted to the United States, where they will stand trial.
