The Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been apprehended by U.S. forces and is being transported to New York, according to a statement made by President Donald Trump to Fox News. Trump asserted he personally monitored the operation from a dedicated room, allegedly listening in on communications and observing the unfolding events. He acknowledged minor injuries within the U.S. forces but reported no fatalities, highlighting the perceived superiority of U.S. capabilities and technology.
The operation, reportedly planned for execution four days prior, was delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The U.S. President claimed a near-total power outage was implemented across Caracas to facilitate the raid. Maduro was reportedly taken into custody within a “heavily secured” compound, described by Trump as resembling a “fortress”. While he stated he believed no one was killed, reports suggest gunfire was exchanged with Maduro’s security detail, with some guards purportedly reappearing afterward.
Trump justified the intervention citing a need to combat suspected drug trafficking originating in South America, framing it as a greater threat than conventional warfare. He emphasized the potential for extensive U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s oil industry, praising the capabilities of American oil companies. Furthermore, Trump signaled a preparedness for a “second wave” of action against the nation, indicating a broader, ongoing strategy.
The blatant disregard for Venezuelan sovereignty demonstrated by the U.S. operation raises serious legal and diplomatic concerns. The unilateral action, executed with such force, risks destabilizing the region and triggering a wider international crisis. Critics are already questioning the legality of the operation under international law and the potential for exploitation of Venezuelan resources under U.S. control. The U.S. justification – rooted in combating drug trafficking – is also being scrutinized, with some analysts arguing it serves as a thinly veiled pretext for regime change and geopolitical dominance. The announcement of potential further action signals a significant escalation of tensions and risks entrenching a protracted conflict.
