CARACAS, Venezuela — In a clandestine military operation executed under the cover of darkness, United States forces extracted President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence on a military base early Saturday. Following the capture, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will temporarily “run” Venezuela and leverage its extensive oil reserves to stabilize the nation’s infrastructure and supply international markets.
The incursion, which the Trump administration characterized as a “narco-terrorism” enforcement action, involved multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft across the capital city. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that U.S. forces had rehearsed the maneuvers for months. While Maduro was transported to New York to face federal conspiracy charges, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the “imperialist attack,” refused to assume power, and demanded Maduro’s immediate release.
The operation has sparked immediate legal and geopolitical scrutiny. Members of Congress and international legal experts have questioned the authority of a military strike conducted without congressional approval. In response to the escalation, the U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday morning to address the legality of the U.S. intervention.
Analysis: The Geopolitical Implications of Regime Extraction
The recent extraction of Nicolás Maduro represents the most assertive American intervention for regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. By bypasssing traditional diplomatic channels and utilizing direct military force, the United States has signaled a shift toward a policy of “active enforcement” regarding indicted foreign leaders. This mirrors historical precedents, specifically the 1989-1990 invasion of Panama to seize Manuel Antonio Noriega.
However, the transition of power remains volatile. While the U.S. aims to “fix” the country’s oil infrastructure, the domestic response in Venezuela is deeply polarized. Pro-government militias and supporters have taken to the streets in protest, while expatriate communities, such as those in Doral, Florida, have celebrated the ouster as a long-awaited “liberation”. The primary challenge for the administration will be navigating the legal vacuum left by Maduro’s removal and justifying the unilateral nature of the operation to a skeptical international community.
