TNI Bureau: US President Donald Trump has announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, marking the most serious escalation in its long-standing confrontation with Venezuela’s leftist government. The announcement was followed by the strike on Caracas.
Trump released the latest photo of Maduro, who along with wife, is being brought to the United States to face the trial. The United States will run Venezuela until the “safe transition”, announced Trump. “You will have peace, justice, safety. You will have a great country,” Trump gave the message to people in Venezuela. “We will be selling large amounts of oil to other countries”, he also added.
The Trump administration said the action was aimed at stopping illegal drug trafficking into the United States. Washington has accused Maduro of leading the so-called Cartel de los Soles, a Venezuelan drug network designated by the US as a global terrorist organisation. US officials have also alleged links between Maduro’s government and criminal groups such as Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel.
Citing these concerns, the US has expanded naval patrols, seized oil tankers and launched strikes on vessels it claims were involved in drug smuggling. Critics, however, point out that Venezuela is not a major source of fentanyl and argue that the focus of the US response may be disproportionate.
Beyond drug enforcement, the US has openly stated its opposition to Maduro’s continued rule. Washington and several allies accuse him of manipulating elections and running an authoritarian government. The United States has not recognised Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader for years, imposed wide-ranging sanctions, and in 2020 charged him with narco-terrorism, offering a reward of up to $20 million for his arrest.
Venezuela’s large oil, gas and gold reserves add to its strategic importance. While Caracas claims the US is targeting the country to gain control over its resources, Washington has denied this allegation and said that it’s their own assets as they built those.
Geopolitical tensions have also intensified as Venezuela has strengthened ties with Russia, China, Iran and Cuba. Analysts say US pressure on Caracas may also be aimed at reducing the influence of these countries in the region.
Experts warn that continued military action could further destabilise Latin America. Venezuela has one of the region’s largest armed forces and relies on pro-government armed groups. The situation remains tense, with the risk of further escalation and no clear outcome in sight.
Meanwhile, the MEA has issued advisory for Indians in Venezuela and asked them to exerice extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas through their email id: [email protected] or the emergency phone number: +58-412-9584288 (Also for WhatsApp Calls).
