A dramatic military operation by the United States resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro early Saturday morning. Following the operation, President Donald Trump announced that the US would take control of Venezuela, asserting that the country would be managed until a proper transition of power could occur. This unprecedented action has sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about violations of international law.

Military Operation Details
Early on Saturday, US forces conducted a lightning military strike in Venezuela, capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as part of an operation described by Trump as unprecedented since World War II. The operation reportedly caused power outages in parts of Caracas and has raised questions about the current status of Maduro's government. Despite the capture, Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, claimed on state media that Maduro remains the legitimate president and vowed that Venezuela would not be colonized.

Trump's Statements and Plans
At a press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump stated that the US would “run” Venezuela until a safe and orderly transition of power could be established. He emphasized the need to prevent any successor who may not prioritize the welfare of the Venezuelan people. Trump indicated that US oil companies would be involved in revitalizing Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, which he claimed was in disrepair. He expressed readiness for further military action if necessary, stating, “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground if we have to have.”

International Reactions
The military action and subsequent statements have drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international leaders. Many have labeled the operation as a dangerous example of US imperialism reminiscent of the Iraq invasion in 2003. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the US may have breached the UN Charter, highlighting concerns over the legality of unilateral military interventions. Various world leaders have also expressed alarm over the potential destabilization of the region.

Implications for US Foreign Policy
The operation marks a significant shift in US foreign policy, reflecting an increasing willingness to engage militarily in Latin America. Analysts suggest that Trump’s actions may be driven by a desire to assert US dominance over Venezuela's vast oil reserves, which are among the largest in the world. The implications of this military intervention could resonate globally, affecting US relations with other nations and international governance structures.

Wrap-up
The capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces has set off a chain of events that could redefine US-Venezuela relations and international norms surrounding military interventions. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely to see how the US will manage its newfound control over Venezuela and what this means for the future of the region.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team