UPDATE: In a stunning development, the United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a dramatic overnight operation, with President Donald Trump announcing that the US will exert control over Venezuela. This urgent move comes amid escalating tensions and promises of defiance from Venezuelan officials.
US Special Forces executed the operation under the cover of darkness, causing widespread power outages in parts of Caracas. Reports confirm Maduro’s capture occurred near one of his safe houses, and he was flown to upstate New York, arriving at Stewart International Airport on the evening of October 14, 2023. Video footage shows US personnel boarding the aircraft shortly after landing.
During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump stated, “We will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” emphasizing the need to prevent a leadership vacuum that could jeopardize Venezuelans’ welfare. His comments signal a significant shift in US foreign policy toward Venezuela, which has been under Maduro’s controversial rule for over 12 years.
Maduro is expected to face charges of narco-terrorism when he appears in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, with his wife, Cilia Flores, also implicated in drug-related crimes. Both are set to be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn prior to their court appearances.
In response to the US operation, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez condemned the actions as a “kidnapping.” On Venezuelan state television, she demanded Maduro’s immediate release, asserting, “He is the only president of Venezuela.” The situation on the ground remains tense but relatively calm, with small pro-Maduro gatherings reported in Caracas.
While Trump did not provide specific strategies for US oversight of Venezuela, he suggested that key officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth would play pivotal roles. “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground,” Trump asserted, indicating a possible escalation of US military involvement.
The implications of Maduro’s capture are significant, not only for Venezuela but for regional stability, as the country shares borders with Colombia, Brazil, Guyana, and the Caribbean. With opposition leader Maria Corina Machado sidelined, the path forward remains unclear. Trump’s dismissal of Machado, whom he claims lacks support within Venezuela, has sparked outrage among her supporters, further complicating the political landscape.
As this situation continues to develop, the world watches closely for the next steps in US-Venezuelan relations and the potential for a new chapter in Venezuelan governance. Stay tuned for immediate updates as more information unfolds.
