In a significant address, US President Donald Trump laid out critical details regarding a recent military intervention in Venezuela, outlining a roadmap for the nation's administration and future reconstruction. The announcement confirmed the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and declared an extended period of US oversight.
US Assumes Control for 'Safe Transition'
President Trump asserted that the United States would directly manage Venezuela's affairs to ensure a stable political shift. "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," he stated. He emphasized the goal of bringing peace and liberty to the Venezuelan people, including those in the diaspora wishing to return.
Expressing distrust in other potential power transitions, Trump said, "We can't take a chance at somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesn't have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind." A designated team of American advisers and military leaders will be responsible for this temporary governance.
Operation Details: Capture and Military Might
Trump provided a dramatic account of the operation that led to Maduro's capture. He described a night-time raid that neutralised Venezuela's military capabilities. "All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless... successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night," he claimed, painting a picture of a darkened Caracas during the assault.
The President framed the mission as a historic display of American force, involving air, land, and sea assets. "It was an assault like people have not seen since World War Two," he remarked, highlighting that it was executed without any US casualties or loss of equipment.
Rebuilding Venezuela: The Oil-Funded Future
A central pillar of the US plan involves the reconstruction of Venezuela's crippled oil industry. Trump announced that major US oil corporations would spearhead this effort. "We're going to rebuild the oil infrastructure, which will cost billions of dollars, it will be paid for by the oil companies directly," he explained. The objective is to restore production, with profits ultimately benefiting Venezuela.
Trump also levelled serious allegations against the deposed leader, accusing Maduro of harbouring foreign threats and acquiring dangerous weapons, though he did not present immediate evidence. He confirmed that US troops remain on the ground in Venezuela and are prepared for further action if necessary, stating clearly, "We're there now, we're ready to go again if we have to."
