In Short:
– Trump announced U.S. governance of Venezuela until a proper transition follows military strikes and Maduro’s capture.
– U.S. oil companies plan to invest billions in Venezuela’s oil infrastructure and share resources with locals.

President Trump announced that the U.S. will govern Venezuela until a “proper” transition occurs.

This statement followed U.S. military strikes against Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.Trump made the announcement during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

U.S. oil companies are expected to invest billions in restoring Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. Trump stated that the approach includes extracting wealth from the ground and sharing some resources with Venezuelans.

He commented on Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, suggesting it would be “very tough” for her to lead. Trump indicated that Machado, who has supported the removal of Maduro, lacks respect and support domestically.

Military Operation

The U.S. conducted a military operation that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, bringing them out of Venezuela aboard the USS Iwo Jima, as reported by Trump.

The operation was coordinated with U.S. law enforcement agencies.

In Short:
– A U.S. military operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife amid explosive events in Caracas.
– Venezuela’s government condemned U.S. actions as imperialist aggression and declared a state of emergency.

A U.S. military operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife after months of mounting pressure.The operation coincided with a series of explosive events in Caracas. President Trump confirmed the extraction, stating the military acted with U.S. law enforcement. Residents reported significant explosions and power outages across the capital.

The Venezuelan government declared a general mobilization, labelling the U.S. actions as imperialist aggression.

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino expressed that they would not yield to American pressure, condemning the invasion as a severe insult to the nation.

U.S.-Venezuela tensions escalated following months of airstrikes against alleged drug-trafficking targets near the Caribbean. The developments have raised concerns within the international community about the possibility of further military conflict.

Ongoing Crisis

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was reported safe amid chaos following the explosions.

The government declared a state of emergency as information about Maduro’s location remained unclear.

Many military facilities and airports were targeted during the attacks, highlighting the extent of U.S. military engagement. Critics, including U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, have denounced the strikes as unnecessary and reflective of a historical pattern in U.S. military operations abroad.

In Short:
– Multiple explosions rocked Caracas after Trump ordered military strikes on Venezuelan military facilities.
– U.S. military presence has increased significantly in the Caribbean, raising tensions further.

Multiple explosions occurred in Caracas, Venezuela, early Saturday after President Trump ordered military strikes on Venezuelan military facilities, escalating pressure on the Maduro regime. Witnesses reported at least seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time, with low-flying aircraft and power outages in several neighborhoods.The strikes targeted major military sites, including Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota Air Base, along with El Libertador Air Force Base in Maracay.

These developments follow a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, with around 15,000 troops and 11 naval vessels present, including the USS Gerald R. Ford. Since September, the U.S. has conducted over 30 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing more than 110 people and seizing several oil tankers.

Military Escalation

Earlier, Trump announced that the U.S. had targeted a Venezuelan dock reportedly linked to drug trafficking. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro called for a UN emergency meeting, although he did not specify the attacker. The Venezuelan government has not officially responded, though Maduro expressed willingness for dialogue on drug issues.

The Trump administration claims its operations target narco-terrorist organizations, while critics argue about the legality of the actions. Human Rights Watch termed the maritime strikes as “unlawful extrajudicial killings”. The U.S. also banned all American aircraft from Venezuelan airspace, effectively designating it a military operations zone.

Trump has not confirmed intentions to remove Maduro, but previously suggested it would be prudent for him to step down.