Nicolas Maduro is in a New York jail after a US commando raid, as President Trump outlines plans for US control of Venezuela’s oil industry
PALM BEACH: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in a New York jail after being seized by US special forces in a pre-dawn raid on Caracas.
President Donald Trump announced the operation, stating the US would now effectively run Venezuela and deploy its oil companies to exploit the country’s vast reserves.
A US government plane carrying the detained leader landed at a military base before he was transported to New York City for arraignment.
The White House released video on social media platform X showing Maduro, handcuffed and in sandals, being escorted by federal agents.
“Good night, happy new year,” the 63-year-old is heard saying in English.
Trump said he was designating members of his cabinet to be in charge in Venezuela but provided no specific details.
He indicated US troops could be deployed, stating Washington is “not afraid of boots on the ground.”
The US president appeared to reject the country’s US-backed opposition taking power, dismissing opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
Trump suggested he could work instead with Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, who he said was willing to do what is necessary.
Rodriguez later demanded Maduro’s release and vowed to defend Venezuela, with the country’s Supreme Court ordering her to assume presidential powers in an acting capacity.
Trump emphasised the US interest in Venezuela’s oil, stating large US oil companies would spend billions to fix infrastructure.
“We’ll be selling large amounts of oil,” he said.
The top US military officer, General Dan Caine, said 150 aircraft supported troops who seized Maduro with extensive intelligence on his habits.
He stated Maduro and his wife “gave up” without a struggle and there was no loss of US life.
Trump told the New York Post that “many” Cubans in Maduro’s security detail were killed.
Venezuelan authorities have not released casualty figures from the air strikes, which hit a major military base and an airbase.
China strongly condemned the US operation, while France warned a solution cannot be imposed from outside.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply concerned international law was not respected.
The UN Security Council will meet Monday to discuss the crisis at Venezuela’s request.
Several members of the US Congress questioned the legality of the operation, while Trump’s key ally Mike Johnson said it was justified.
