U.S. Launches Major Military Operation in Venezuela
The United States has carried out a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to statements by former President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Trump said U.S. forces detained the Venezuelan leader early in the morning and immediately flew him out of the country.
Trump Says U.S. Will Temporarily Oversee Venezuela
Trump stated that the United States would temporarily “run” Venezuela during a transitional period. He added that the goal was to stabilize the country and restart oil production, which has declined sharply in recent years.
He described the move as necessary to restore order and protect regional security.
Elite U.S. Forces Led the Operation
According to officials cited by CBS News, the U.S. Army’s Delta Force, an elite special operations unit, carried out the mission to capture Maduro. The operation followed months of increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean.
The buildup included the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and several other warships in the region.
Maduro Faces Drug Trafficking Charges in New York
Maduro and his wife arrived in New York on Saturday. Authorities transferred Maduro to a detention facility in New York City later that night.
U.S. officials said he will face federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with criminal groups classified as terrorist organizations. Maduro has denied all accusations.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that prosecutors filed a superseding indictment, similar to one originally issued against Maduro in 2020.
Military Strikes Follow Anti-Drug Operations
The military action comes after a series of U.S. strikes on more than 30 boats in the Caribbean. The administration claims those vessels were transporting illegal drugs.
Officials said these operations aimed to disrupt organized crime networks operating in the region.
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