The US conducted a remarkable military operation early Saturday, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and transporting him out of the country. This move marked the peak of months of increasing pressure from the Trump administration on the oil-rich South American nation.
Maduro and his spouse were removed overnight from their residence on a military base and were aboard a US warship heading to New York, where they were set to face criminal charges.
Also Read: Trump brings an end to Nicolas Maduro’s authoritarian regime in Venezuela
Trump stated that the US intended to oversee Venezuela until a transition of power occurred. He asserted that American forces were already deployed, although there were no obvious indications that the US was managing the country.
“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, where he claimed this “extremely successful operation should serve as a warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or jeopardize American lives.” Meanwhile, Venezuelan state TV aired live footage of small groups of Maduro’s supporters protesting in the streets of Caracas.
First Published: Jan 3, 2026 11:09 PM IST
