Caracas/Washington/Beijing: The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic overnight military operation, flying him out of the country aboard a U.S. warship to face criminal charges in New York, an unprecedented move that has triggered global shock, legal scrutiny, and sharp geopolitical backlash. President Donald Trump said the operation removed what Washington calls an illegitimate leader and that the U.S. would “run Venezuela” until a transition of power is deemed safe. There were no immediate signs of a U.S.-led civil administration on the ground, while Caracas accused Washington of an “imperialist attack” and urged mass mobilization.
‘Operation Absolute Resolve’
U.S. officials said the raid code-named Operation Absolute Resolve was the culmination of months of planning. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the operation involved more than 150 aircraft across the Western Hemisphere, including F-22s, F-35s, B-1 bombers, surveillance platforms, and drones. The apprehension force reached Maduro’s compound shortly after 2:00 a.m. local time, isolated the area, and extracted Maduro and his wife without reported casualties.
Trump described the capture as occurring “in the dead of night,” claiming Venezuelan military capabilities were rendered “powerless” during the operation.
Legality and Power Vacuum
The legality of the action remains contested. The U.S. does not recognize the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction and maintains Maduro is not Venezuela’s legitimate president, citing indictments filed in 2020. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Maduro a fugitive with a $50 million reward, adding, “He is not recognized by the U.S., the EU, or multiple countries.”
Under Venezuelan law, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would typically assume power, but there was no confirmation of a transfer. The uncertainty has heightened fears of instability.
Trump Signals U.S. Oversight, Oil Push
Trump said senior officials including Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would oversee Venezuela “for a period of time.” He also signaled a push for U.S. oil majors to enter Venezuela, promising billions in investment to repair infrastructure and revive production.
“This should serve as a warning,” Trump said, vowing to act against what he alleged without evidence were foreign adversaries and criminal networks operating from Venezuelan territory.
Global Reaction
China reacted sharply, saying it was “deeply shocked” and condemning what it called the U.S.’s blatant use of force against a sovereign state. Beijing said the move violated international law, threatened peace in Latin America and the Caribbean, and urged Washington to abide by the UN Charter.
India Issues Travel Advisory
India issued a travel advisory urging nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela. The Ministry of External Affairs advised Indians in the country to exercise extreme caution and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Caracas (cons.caracas@mea.gov.in; emergency/WhatsApp: +58-412-9584288).
As markets, governments, and regional blocs assess the fallout, Venezuela’s immediate future and the precedent set by the operation remain uncertain.
-WNN Newsroom from Washington, Caracas and Beijing;; For updates, follow #WNN at www.thewnn.com
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