United States President Donald Trump says the U.S. will run Venezuela “until a safe transition can take place” following a dramatic U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Trump made the announcement at a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, saying American officials will oversee the country during an interim period.
The overnight strike involved U.S. military forces and resulted in explosions and a blackout in parts of Caracas, according to eyewitness reports and international media.
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Maduro, long accused by the U.S. of narcotics trafficking and corruption, was captured during the operation and flown out of Venezuela. He and his wife are reportedly headed to the United States to face charges, including narco-terrorism, in New York.
Trump also said U.S. oil companies will be strongly involved in Venezuela’s oil sector as part of the transition process.
The U.S. action marks a major escalation in American involvement in Venezuela and has drawn widespread global attention, with reactions still unfolding.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
