Trump Says US Will Run Venezuela Until Regime Transition
By TUW
Former US President Donald Trump has said the United States will temporarily run Venezuela until a full regime transition is completed, stressing that the move is aimed at restoring stability and protecting the Venezuelan people.
Trump accused former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro of promoting drug trafficking and terrorism, saying his leadership posed a serious threat to Venezuela and the wider region. “We want good for the people of Venezuela,” Trump said, adding that although further military strikes had been planned, they were later cancelled because they were no longer necessary.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also addressed the situation, saying Maduro had been given many opportunities to leave office peacefully. “Maduro had many offers to step aside, but he chose to play games,” Rubio said, blaming him for escalating the crisis.
Meanwhile, the US military chief told reporters that the operation against Venezuela took more than a month of careful planning and rehearsals. He said US forces tracked Maduro closely, including his movements, sleeping locations, clothing, and daily habits, to ensure a precise operation with no civilian harm.
According to US officials, the extradition operation involved over 150 aircraft. Venezuelan military aircraft were reportedly disarmed before a nationwide blackout, allowing US forces to capture Maduro without resistance. The operation took place at around 2:00am local time at Maduro’s compound. US authorities confirmed that no American soldiers were injured or killed.
Trump also said international oil companies will continue operating in Venezuela, signaling that energy production will not be disrupted during the transition. He added that the US plans to manage the country responsibly during the interim period. “We are going to run the country very well and take care of Venezuela in a way he never did,” Trump said.
