Politics

Trump Declares US Governance Over Venezuela After Maduro’s Capture

Published

7 months ago

3 January, 2026

In a dramatic turn of events, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will take control of Venezuela following the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro, during a military operation in Caracas. This announcement came shortly after Maduro was apprehended and transported to New York City to face charges related to drug conspiracy. Trump stated that the US will govern Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition.”

During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump emphasized the operation’s success, declaring it “one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.” He confirmed that no US soldiers were harmed in the operation, which involved over 150 aircraft executing coordinated strikes across multiple locations.

Operation Absolute Resolve and Its Aftermath

The military operation, named Operation Absolute Resolve, was meticulously planned for several months. It involved various branches of the US Armed Forces, utilizing fighter jets, helicopters, and bombers to carry out the strike. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, revealed that the operation had been executed following Trump’s order issued on a Friday night.

As Maduro attempted to reach a fortified safe room in the presidential palace, he was captured by US forces. Alongside him, his wife, Cilia Flores, is facing serious charges, including narco-terrorism and conspiracy. Both will be indicted in the Southern District of New York, where they face a range of allegations dating back to 2020.

Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, confirmed on social media that Maduro and Flores would soon confront the full might of American justice in US courts. “They will stand trial on American soil,” she stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against them.

International Reactions and Global Condemnation

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the military strikes as a “criminal US attack,” urging other nations to denounce the action. Similarly, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva characterized the US operation as a “serious affront” to Venezuela’s sovereignty. Both Iran and Russia condemned the attack, with Tehran labeling it a “flagrant violation of national sovereignty,” while the Russian foreign ministry described it as an “act of aggression.” China’s foreign ministry also emphasized the need for restraint and respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty.

This unprecedented move by the US government raises significant questions about international law and the potential ramifications for Venezuela and the wider region. As the situation unfolds, the global community watches closely, anticipating further developments in this historic and contentious episode.

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