US Captures Maduro, Plans to Run Venezuela's Oil Sector

US Announces Control of Venezuela After Capturing Maduro

In a dramatic military operation, United States forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from the capital city of Caracas. Following the predawn raid, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would temporarily run the South American nation and facilitate the entry of American companies to rebuild its vast, yet crippled, oil infrastructure. The move represents the most assertive American action to achieve regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq and follows months of escalating pressure on the Maduro government.

The Overnight Military Operation

The operation unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning. Residents of Caracas reported hearing multiple explosions and seeing low-flying aircraft. President Trump, who monitored the events from his Mar-a-Lago resort, stated that over 150 aircraft, including bombers and fighters, were involved. The assault, which lasted less than 30 minutes, resulted in the successful extraction of Maduro and his wife. They were subsequently transported to the USS Iwo Jima before being flown to New York to face drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges outlined in a new Justice Department indictment. The administration cited the need to stem the flow of dangerous drugs as a primary justification for the mission, which was conducted without congressional approval.

Trump's Plan for Venezuela's Oil

Hours after the capture, President Trump detailed his administration's economic plans for Venezuela. He declared that major U.S. oil companies would be enlisted to revive the nation's energy sector. "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country," Trump said at a press conference. He framed the intervention as a reclamation of assets, accusing the socialist regime of having "stolen" the industry built with American investment. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 300 billion barrels.

Governance and Transition

President Trump confirmed the U.S. would oversee the country's administration for an interim period. "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," he stated, emphasizing the need to avoid a repeat of past instability. In Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the operation and demanded Maduro's release, before the country's high court ordered her to assume the role of interim president. The legal and constitutional path forward within Venezuela remains deeply uncertain.

Key Details of the Venezuela Operation

Legal Concerns and International Backlash

The operation immediately drew scrutiny over its legality. Conducted without an Authorization for the Use of Military Force from Congress, lawmakers and legal experts questioned the administration's authority. Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, demanded an immediate briefing on the legal justification. The international response was swift and critical. China's foreign ministry strongly condemned the "blatant use of force against a sovereign state," while Russia called the attacks "unjustified." Colombia requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the U.S. actions.

Market Impact and Corporate Hesitation

While the Trump administration plans to engage U.S. energy giants, the industry has shown caution. Reports indicate that companies like ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips have been approached but have responded negatively, citing low crude prices and the significant political risk. Chevron, the only major U.S. oil company still operating in Venezuela under a limited license, issued a statement focusing on the safety of its employees and its compliance with all laws, declining to comment on the broader security situation. Rebuilding Venezuela's deteriorated infrastructure would require billions of dollars and long-term stability, conditions that are far from guaranteed.

The Situation on the Ground

In the aftermath of the raid, the situation in Venezuela is tense and divided. Pro-Maduro supporters took to the streets in parts of Caracas to protest the capture, chanting for his return. In other areas, streets remained empty as residents, fearful and uncertain, stayed home. Some parts of the capital experienced power outages. In contrast, the Venezuelan community in Doral, Florida, celebrated the news with flags and music, chanting for "Liberty!"

Analysis and What Lies Ahead

The capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Venezuela relations, shifting from economic sanctions to direct military intervention. The administration's dual goals of installing a new government and revitalizing the oil sector under U.S. influence face immense hurdles. The lack of congressional and international support complicates the political landscape, while the economic plan depends on securing a volatile nation and persuading private companies to make massive, high-risk investments. The coming days, particularly the discussions at the United Nations, will be crucial in shaping the international response and determining the future of Venezuela.