Keywords: Venezuela coup, Maduro captured, US military operation Venezuela, Trump Venezuela oil, regime change Venezuela, Caracas attack, US runs Venezuela
United States Confirms Capture of Venezuela’s Leader in Overnight Military Operation
The United States has confirmed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife following a surprise overnight military operation that removed them from power and transferred them to U.S. custody. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will temporarily administer Venezuela while overseeing what he described as a “safe and responsible transition.”
The unprecedented action marks the most aggressive U.S. intervention aimed at regime change in decades and follows months of covert planning and escalating pressure on the South American nation.
Trump: US Will “Run Venezuela” and Restart Oil Exports
Speaking hours after the operation, Trump said the U.S. intends to repair Venezuela’s oil infrastructure and sell large quantities of oil to global markets during the transition period.
“We’re going to run the country until we can do a proper and secure handover,” Trump said, adding that Venezuela’s energy sector would be brought back online under U.S. supervision.
The president framed the intervention as both a national security measure and an opportunity to stabilize oil production.
Maduro and Wife Transported to New York to Face Prosecution
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized at a military compound and initially taken aboard a U.S. warship before being flown to New York, where they are expected to face federal prosecution.
U.S. prosecutors allege the pair led a narco-terrorism conspiracy, accusing them of coordinating cocaine trafficking, maintaining armed criminal networks, and threatening U.S. security. A newly issued indictment portrays the former Venezuelan government as an illegitimate regime sustained by drug profits.
Images released by Trump showed Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed aboard a U.S. naval vessel, underscoring the dramatic nature of the arrest.
Overnight Assault Plunges Caracas Into Chaos
The operation unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, with multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft reported across Caracas. Parts of the capital lost electricity as U.S. forces moved swiftly to extract Maduro.
The assault lasted less than half an hour. Venezuelan officials reported casualties among civilians and military personnel, while Trump acknowledged that some U.S. troops were injured but none killed.
Smoke was seen rising from military facilities, and videos circulating online showed tracer fire and explosions lighting up the night sky.
Venezuelan Government Condemns Operation, Power Vacuum Emerges
Venezuela’s vice president denounced the operation as a foreign invasion and demanded Maduro’s immediate release, insisting he remains the country’s legitimate leader. Despite constitutional provisions that would place her in charge, she stated she would not assume the presidency.
State television continued broadcasting pro-Maduro messages as supporters and opponents alike took to the streets, revealing deep political divisions.
US Military Says Operation Months in the Making
Senior U.S. military officials said the mission had been rehearsed extensively, with intelligence teams studying Maduro’s movements, routines, and security in detail.
Trump compared the operation to historic U.S. interventions, calling it a warning to any government that threatens American lives or sovereignty.
Mixed Reactions at Home and Abroad as Legal Questions Mount
The operation has sparked intense debate over its legality. Some U.S. lawmakers questioned the absence of congressional authorization, while international leaders called for an emergency United Nations meeting to assess the implications.
Legal experts warned the action could set a dangerous precedent, even as Trump administration officials defended it as necessary to combat drug trafficking and regional instability.
Venezuelans React With Fear, Celebration, and Uncertainty
In Caracas, reactions ranged from fear and confusion to cautious optimism. Some neighborhoods remained eerily quiet, while others saw armed civilian groups mobilize. Many residents reported sleepless nights and lingering power outages.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan communities abroad, particularly in Florida, gathered to celebrate, waving flags and chanting slogans in support of change.
Unclear Path Forward for Venezuela and the Region
With Maduro in U.S. custody and Washington asserting temporary control, Venezuela faces an uncertain future. Analysts warn the situation could reshape regional politics, energy markets, and international norms surrounding sovereignty and military intervention.
As the world watches closely, the long-term consequences of the U.S. operation remain unresolved.
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