New Delhi: In an unprecedented declaration, US President Donald Trump said the United States will effectively “run” Venezuela until a “proper and judicious” political transition is in place. His statement came hours after US special forces carried out a dramatic military operation inside Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump announced during a press conference at his Florida residence. “We don’t want another failed leadership repeating the same long-standing problems. So we are going to run the country,” he added, without providing a timeline, legal framework, or clarity on how such governance would work under US or international law.
Inside the Operation
The early-morning raid reportedly began with explosions and low-flying aircraft over Caracas. Residents said they witnessed at least seven blasts and heavy tracer fire before smoke engulfed multiple military sites. Power disruptions were also reported at one major installation.
Venezuelan officials said Maduro and Flores were seized from their residence within Caracas’ heavily fortified Fort Tiuna military complex. Senior ruling party leader Nahum Fernandez described the incident as a “kidnapping” following targeted air strikes around the area.
Hours later, Trump released a photograph showing Maduro aboard a US naval vessel—identified as USS Iwo Jima—blindfolded, handcuffed, and escorted by US forces. The US Justice Department has said Maduro and his wife will face fresh “narco-terrorism conspiracy” charges in American courts.
“US Will Fix Venezuela,” Says Trump
Trump claimed the US had already positioned teams to manage Venezuelan administration and hinted at a strong American role in rebuilding the country’s crippled oil industry.
“We’re going to fix the infrastructure and start making money for the country,” he said, terming it a “partnership” that would make Venezuelans “rich, independent and safe.” However, he made no mention of elections or a Venezuelan-led transitional authority.
He also confirmed that a “second wave” of military operations had been prepared but was deemed unnecessary due to the success of the initial raid.
Global and Historical Context
While the US does not recognise Maduro’s presidency, claiming his re-election lacked legitimacy, Washington’s move has sparked intense debate. Legal experts say non-recognition does not automatically justify military intervention or foreign administration.
The incident has already drawn parallels with the 1990 US invasion of Panama that led to the capture of Manuel Noriega. However, analysts note that even then, Washington did not explicitly declare it would “run” Panama.
Venezuela has demanded international intervention and is reportedly seeking discussion at the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, global diplomatic reactions continue to build as the world watches how this unprecedented situation unfolds.