US forces struck Venezuela early Saturday and captured President Nicolás Maduro. Immediately, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded the United States release him. She called Maduro the country’s rightful leader.

Meanwhile, the legal authority for the strike remained unclear. The Trump administration promoted the operation as a way to reduce drug flows into the US. Furthermore, President Trump highlighted potential benefits, including influence over Venezuela’s leadership and oil resources.

Trump claimed the US government was already helping manage the country. “We’re going to run the country until a safe, proper transition occurs,” he said at Mar-a-Lago. He added that the operation should warn anyone threatening US sovereignty.

Moreover, Trump stated, “We cannot risk someone else taking over Venezuela without Venezuelan interests in mind.” Yet, he gave no clear plan on how the US would actually run the country.

In contrast, Maduro’s government appeared intact. Venezuelan state TV broadcast pro-Maduro coverage, showing citizens protesting on Caracas streets.

Trump mentioned officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio would oversee Venezuela. He also did not rule out sending more US forces. “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground,” he said.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were indicted in 2020 for “narco-terrorism.” On Saturday, the Justice Department issued a new indictment describing their government as corrupt and trafficking cocaine into the US. Maduro is scheduled for an initial court appearance in Manhattan Monday.

The operation followed months of US efforts against Maduro. This included military buildups in nearby waters and attacks on suspected drug boats. Last week, a CIA drone struck a Venezuelan docking area for the first time.

The assault started under darkness, 36 years after the US invaded Panama. Explosions shook Caracas, and low-flying aircraft flew over. General Dan Caine said forces rehearsed months of details about Maduro.

Smoke rose from military bases. Some civilians and military personnel were reportedly killed. Trump said some US troops were injured but none died.

Under Venezuelan law, Rodríguez would take over, yet she refused. She demanded Maduro’s release and affirmed, “There is only one president in Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros.”

Finally, Trump ruled out cooperation with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. He said she lacked respect and support in Venezuela.

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