US President Donald Trump says the United States will temporarily run Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can take place, following overnight military strikes that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Trump said no US service members were killed during the operation and warned that Washington was prepared to launch a second, “much larger” attack if necessary. Just before addressing reporters, Trump shared an image he said showed Maduro blindfolded aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
Maduro was earlier indicted in New York on drug trafficking and weapons charges, with the US attorney general saying he would “face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.” Venezuela has since declared a national emergency, denouncing what it described as “extremely serious military aggression.”
US officials said the operation, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, relied on months of intelligence gathering and achieved “total surprise.” General Dan Caine said US forces dismantled Venezuelan air defence systems before arriving at Maduro’s compound at 01:01 ET, where helicopters came under fire and responded with “overwhelming force.”
One helicopter was hit, according to US officials, but all aircraft returned safely. Maduro and his wife later surrendered and were taken into custody before being flown to the USS Iwo Jima at 03:29 ET.
General Caine described the mission as “discreet” and “precise,” involving more than 150 aircraft and coordinated efforts by soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, intelligence agencies and law enforcement. He said the timing was chosen to minimise civilian harm while maximising the element of surprise.
The intervention has drawn comparisons to past US actions in Latin America and raised questions about Washington’s renewed role in nation-building, a move that could spark political backlash at home and condemnation abroad.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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