United States President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in a covert overnight operation and flown out of Venezuela, declaring that Washington will now administer the South American nation for an indefinite period.
Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump said the operation was executed without any loss of American lives or military equipment. He claimed Venezuelan military capabilities were completely neutralised during the mission, which he described as swift and decisive.
According to the US President, American forces moved under the cover of darkness to apprehend Maduro, bringing an abrupt end to his hold on power. Trump said the United States would assume control of Venezuela until conditions allow for what he termed a “safe, proper and judicious transition.”
“We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said. “We want peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela.”
CNN reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the operation, stressing that it was conducted as a trigger-based mission that could not be disclosed to Congress in advance without jeopardising its success. Rubio reportedly described the action as largely a law enforcement exercise, monitored closely over several days before the final decision was taken.
The network also reported that Maduro and his wife were taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima and are being transported to New York, where they are expected to face trial.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, acknowledged that one US aircraft was struck during the operation but said it remained fully operational and safely returned. He praised intelligence units for providing real-time support that enabled ground forces to manoeuvre effectively in what he described as a complex and hostile environment.
General Caine further disclosed that US troops encountered resistance while exiting Venezuela, leading to multiple self-defence engagements. Despite this, he said American forces would maintain a presence in the region following Maduro’s capture.
Describing the mission as a demonstration of US resolve, Caine said the operation underscored Washington’s commitment to holding accountable those it considers threats to peace and stability, while commending the personnel involved for their execution of the mission.
