Washington Claims Custody of Venezuela’s Leader as U.S. Signals Temporary Control
The US says it has arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a high-risk military operation and expelled him, a major development in the long-running conflict with Caracas. President Donald Trump said the US would temporarily oversee Venezuela’s administration during a political transition to restore order and stability.
U.S. authorities said Maduro and his wife were arrested overnight at their military post home. After being transferred to a U.S. naval vessel, they were flown to New York to face Justice Department indictments. Maduro and others are accused of narco-terrorism and international drug trafficking.
President Trump stated the US will oversee Venezuela temporarily to ensure an orderly power transfer. He also stated the US would immediately stabilize Venezuela’s economy and deal with its huge oil resources, which are vital to regional and global markets. Trump said that U.S. forces were ready to execute these plans, but there were no immediate signs of direct American rule.
U.S. officials called the arrest the culmination of a months-long pressure campaign. That endeavor included marine operations targeting drug-smuggling vessels to the US. As part of their strategy, spy agencies reportedly tracked Maduro’s activities and habits. The mission was precise and planned to avert wider confrontation, officials said.
Today, foreign forces capturing a sitting head of state is rare and has garnered international attention. The decision is defended as a forceful response to alleged criminal behavior and years of political stagnation in Venezuela. Critics dispute the legality and long-term effects of such military intervention, suggesting it might escalate regional tensions.
U.S. authorities say Venezuela will be under temporary supervision until a new leadership is found. It is uncertain how long and what that transition will be like. Governments throughout the world are watching how Washington and Venezuela react to this rapid and momentous upheaval.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of State
Official statements from the White House
