The world awoke to a stunning and unprecedented act of force over the weekend: a direct military intervention by the United States in Venezuela. Caracas, the nation’s capital, was struck by a series of aerial attacks, a move that shattered any semblance of normalcy and plunged the country into chaos.
Simultaneous with the bombing campaign, a highly coordinated special forces operation unfolded, targeting the presidential residence. The objective: the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Reports confirm their swift apprehension and immediate transfer to New York City, where they now face a litany of criminal allegations.
Among the charges leveled against Maduro are accusations of drug trafficking, claims he has consistently and vehemently denied. From his holding location, he has declared himself a “prisoner of war,” framing the intervention as an act of aggression rather than a legitimate legal pursuit.
President Trump has publicly stated the US intends to administer Venezuela directly, overseeing what he termed an “orderly transition.” This declaration signals a prolonged period of American control, raising profound questions about sovereignty and international law.
The newly appointed interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, has received a stark warning from the US President: resistance to Washington’s demands will result in “a bigger price to pay.” This thinly veiled threat underscores the uncompromising stance adopted by the US administration.
Control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves is central to the unfolding drama. Trump has announced plans to seize between 30 and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, characterizing it as “high-quality, sanctioned oil” that will be transferred to US control.
Despite the overwhelming force demonstrated by the US, Rodriguez has vowed to resist any return to colonial status, declaring that Venezuela “will never return to being the colony of another empire.” However, she has also indicated a willingness to explore “cooperation” with Washington, suggesting a complex and potentially fragile path forward.
