Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is now in a New York jail cell after a dramatic pre-dawn US military operation that saw American special forces seize him and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their home in Caracas.
President Donald Trump declared that the United States will step in to manage Venezuela for the time being, until a stable transition can happen. He made it clear that major American oil companies will play a big role in fixing the country’s rundown oil facilities and boosting production from its massive reserves.
The overnight raid involved airstrikes on military sites around the capital, creating chaos with explosions and helicopter activity in the early hours. Maduro and his wife surrendered without resistance and were quickly flown out, first to a US naval ship, then on to New York, where they’re set to face serious charges tied to drug trafficking and weapons.
Video shared by the White House shows Maduro, handcuffed and casual in sandals, being escorted by agents. He even managed a calm “Good night, happy new year” in English as he was processed.
Trump was upbeat about the mission’s success, praising the precision and saying no American lives were lost. He hinted at possibly sending ground troops if needed, though he prefers working with figures inside Venezuela.
On the oil front, Trump said US firms—the best in the world will invest billions to repair infrastructure and “start selling large amounts of oil,” turning things around for the economy.
He downplayed the main opposition leader, María Corina Machado, saying she lacks the support to lead, and instead suggested cooperation with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who he claimed is open to US guidance. Rodríguez pushed back hard, insisting Maduro is the only legitimate president and vowing to defend the country.
Venezuela’s top court has named Rodríguez as acting president in the meantime, adding to the confusion.
The move has sparked intense global reaction. Allies like China strongly condemned it as aggression, while France and the UN expressed deep concern over international law. Some leaders urged calm and a peaceful path forward.
In Caracas, the streets grew quiet after the strikes, with smoke lingering and security tightened. Casualty details from the Venezuelan side remain unclear, though Trump mentioned losses among Maduro’s guards.
This bold action follows months of building pressure, including sanctions and strikes on suspected drug operations in the region. What unfolds next in Venezuela remains uncertain, with big questions about stability and the long-term US role.