CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States had successfully executed a military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power. According to Trump, the U.S. would temporarily govern the country and leverage its extensive oil reserves for international sales, marking one of the most assertive U.S. actions aimed at regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The operation was the culmination of months of intense pressure from the Trump administration on Maduro, fueled by a secretive planning process. While the U.S. government claims it is taking steps to halt the flow of narcotics into the country, legal experts raised questions regarding the legality of the military action, especially since it was conducted without congressional approval.
Maduro was reportedly captured at a military base alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, and initially taken aboard a U.S. warship, facing an indictment by the Justice Department for alleged involvement in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. He later arrived at an airport in New York, where he was escorted off a plane surrounded by federal agents, ultimately transported to a nearby U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office.
During a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump stated, “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” Despite the discussions of U.S. governance, Venezuelan state television continued broadcasting pro-Maduro propaganda, showcasing scenes of protests in Caracas. In his remarks, Trump suggested that this successful operation would serve as a warning to those threatening American sovereignty.
Maduro had faced a long history of accusations from the U.S., including charges of narco-terrorism and being a leader of a corrupt government. Following the operation, protests broke out in Venezuela, with demonstrators both supporting and opposing Maduro, highlighting his polarizing status in the nation. Meanwhile, the ruling party claimed that the U.S.'s actions constituted an imperialist attack and called upon citizens to resist.
The military operation took place early Saturday, coinciding with the anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Panama to capture Manuel Antonio Noriega in 1990. As explosions rattled the capital of Caracas, U.S. officials claimed that the operation was meticulously planned, with forces trained for months on details concerning Maduro’s movements and lifestyle.
Reports indicated that at least seven explosions were heard throughout Caracas as low-flying aircraft conducted operations, creating chaos in the city. Maduro’s government accused the U.S. of targeting civilians and military installations, leading to casualties. Video footage revealed the aftermath of the explosions, which illuminated the night sky over the capital.
Within Venezuela's legal framework, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was set to succeed Maduro. However, she publicly insisted that Maduro remained the legitimate leader of the nation. As tensions rose, citizens reacted with mixed emotions: some took to the streets to protest Maduro’s detention, while others celebrated the operation's success, showcasing the deeply divided sentiments within the country.
As the situation unfolded, serious inquiries were raised about the legality of U.S. actions. Concerns among lawmakers about a lack of military authorization prompted calls for accountability and clarity regarding the administration’s strategy for stabilization in Venezuela. An emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council was scheduled, with discussions expected to focus on the repercussions of the U.S. military operation.
The events surrounding Maduro’s removal mark a critical juncture in Venezuelan politics, aligning with a broader narrative of U.S. interventionism in Latin America. As the world watches, the implications of this military operation will unfold in the coming days, with potential ramifications on both sides of the conflict.
