The United States will “run” Venezuela indefinitely following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro in a large-scale military operation, US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, describing the move as necessary to ensure stability and protect strategic energy interests.
Speaking at a news conference after US forces launched strikes and detained Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, Trump said Washington would oversee Venezuela until what he called a “safe, proper and judicious transition” of power is achieved. He did not provide details on how the US would govern the country during this period.
“We’re going to run it until there’s a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said, calling Maduro an “illegitimate dictator.”
US Eyes Venezuela’s Oil Sector
Trump made it clear that Venezuela’s vast oil reserves are central to the US strategy. He said Washington would take control of the country’s energy assets and invite American companies to invest billions of dollars to rebuild Venezuela’s deteriorated oil infrastructure.
“We have tremendous energy in that country. It’s very important that we protect it,” Trump said, adding that US troops would maintain a presence in Venezuela “as it pertains to oil.”
According to the president, US firms would help refurbish the oil sector and “start making money for the country,” framing the effort as a partnership that would ultimately benefit Venezuelans.
Maduro to Face Charges in New York
Maduro is expected to arrive in New York later today to face drug trafficking and weapons-related charges, US officials said. His wife, Cilia Flores, was also taken into custody during the overnight raid, which Trump said was carried out by elite US forces who dragged the couple from their bedroom.
Maduro has previously denied allegations that he led a drug cartel.
Trump also said the US is prepared to launch a second military attack if necessary, though he added that it would “probably not be necessary.”
Mixed Reactions Inside Venezuela
Reactions on the ground in Venezuela have been divided. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for an opposition-backed candidate to be installed as the country’s leader following Maduro’s capture.
However, Venezuela’s foreign minister insisted that Maduro remains the nation’s legitimate head of state, underscoring uncertainty over who currently holds authority.
In Caracas, residents expressed mixed emotions, with some welcoming what they described as a “positive change,” while others warned that the US intervention could trigger “an even worse conflict.”
‘America First’ Justification
When asked how taking control of Venezuela aligns with his “America First” policy, Trump argued that regional stability directly benefits the United States.
“We want to surround ourselves with good neighbours. We want to surround ourselves with stability,” he said.
Trump also spoke of a future “partnership” between the US and Venezuela, claiming it would make Venezuelans “rich, independent and safe,” though questions remain over the legal, political and humanitarian implications of the US assuming control of another sovereign nation.
source:- bbc.com
