The Digest:
Following the dramatic military capture of Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump has announced the United States will effectively "run" Venezuela, outlining plans to tap its vast oil reserves and install an interim administration, a move that signals a prolonged US intervention.
Key Points:
- President Trump stated the US will “run” Venezuela and deploy its oil companies to “fix the badly broken infrastructure” and sell “large amounts of oil.”
- He indicated openness to deploying US ground troops, stating Washington is “not afraid of boots on the ground.”
- Surprisingly, Trump dismissed US-backed opposition leader María Corina Machado, saying she lacks support, and suggested working with Maduro's Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez.
- Rodríguez immediately rejected this, demanding Maduro's release and vowing to defend Venezuela, highlighting the political chaos.
- The operation involved 150 aircraft and precise intelligence on Maduro's habits; he and his wife surrendered without a struggle and are en route to New York for trial.
- The announcement confirms that regime change and control of oil, alongside narco-trafficking charges, were central motivations for the strike.
- International backlash continued, with the UN Secretary-General expressing deep concern over violations of international law.
Sources: Channels Television, AFP, Vanguard
