A new flashpoint has emerged in the world. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out an operation in Venezuela, detained President Nicolás Maduro and flew him out of the country. Washington described it as a “large-scale strike,” which has already sparked intense global reaction, DKNews.kz reports.
According to Trump, the United States will temporarily “take control of the country” in order to manage the transition and “restart oil production.” He also did not rule out the possibility of deploying U.S. troops.
How the operation unfolded
Citing U.S. sources, reports say the mission to capture Maduro was carried out by the elite Delta Force unit.
During the night:
- parts of Caracas lost electricity,
- residents reported explosions and aircraft overhead,
- disruptions across infrastructure were recorded.
Official Caracas acknowledged the attacks, but for a long time did not comment on Maduro’s whereabouts.
U.S. authorities say Maduro may face federal charges related to drug trafficking and cooperation with criminal groups. Maduro denies all accusations.
Who is willing to cooperate - and who is not
Trump said Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez allegedly signaled readiness to work with the United States. However, in a televised address Rodríguez called Maduro “the only president of the country” and demanded his release.
Meanwhile, some sources claim Rodríguez may be outside Venezuela - this information has not yet been confirmed.
Debate and criticism in Washington
Trump’s announcement sparked heated debate in the United States.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the decision:
“We’ve seen this before - and paid a heavy price.”
He said the operation was carried out without congressional approval and could lead to dangerous consequences.
Other politicians argue that the U.S. acted more as a “law-enforcement force” than an occupying army, citing previous operations abroad.
But the main question remains: Who will run Venezuela - and how?
Enormous risks for the region
Removing Maduro from power may create a potential power vacuum. Experts increasingly draw parallels with Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Venezuela has:
- the world’s largest oil reserves,
- a deep economic crisis,
- strong political polarization.
Any outside intervention could easily turn into a prolonged conflict.
Global reaction - from support to harsh condemnation
- Russia, Cuba and Iran condemned the strikes as a violation of sovereignty.
- Argentina welcomed what it called “liberation.”
- Brazil and Mexico opposed the intervention.
- Iran demanded the issue be discussed at the U.N. Security Council.
The U.S. insists its actions are “temporary” - but judging by Trump’s statements, there is still no clear plan.
What comes next
There is tense calm on the streets of Venezuela. Some people feel fear. Others - cautious hope.
But the key point is this: the situation remains highly uncertain.
- Maduro’s fate has not been officially confirmed
- the mechanism of governing the country is unclear
- the region and the world are waiting for the next statements
