Trump confirms Maduro’s capture and announces strong US involvement in Venezuela’s oil

Forces from the Estados Unidos captured the president of the Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, in an operation in the capital Caracas this Saturday, January 3, 2025, marking a significant escalation in bilateral relations and South American politics. The North American president, Donald Trump, confirmed the action and announced that his government will have “strong involvement” in the Venezuelan oil industry, indicating an economic reconfiguration.

After detention, Maduro and his wife were taken by a US Forças Armadas helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima, a North American Marinha ship positioned in the sea of ​​Caribe. From there, they continue their journey towards Nova York, with their initial whereabouts unknown to the Venezuelan vice-president.

The Venezuelan capital was the scene of a series of explosions and low-altitude aircraft overflights during the early hours of the operation, generating reports of tremors and interruptions in electricity supply in several areas, especially near the La Carlota air base.

Capture operation details

President Donald Trump revealed that he watched the capture of Nicolás Maduro in real time, describing the scene as “watching a television program” broadcast by participating agents. The military operation, initially scheduled to take place four days earlier, was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Trump also mentioned that Maduro had tried to negotiate a peaceful exit from power a week before the military onslaught. Contudo, the negotiation proposal was rejected by the North American president, who chose to proceed with the action planned in Caracas.

The transport of Mature and the USS Iwo Jima

Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured on Caracas by agents of US forces. After detention, a military helicopter transported them to the Iwo Jima, an Wasp-class amphibious assault ship known for its ability to operate short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft such as the F-35B. The vessel, which is part of the US Marinha fleet, is equipped to carry out landing operations with troops and vehicles, projecting air and ground power in combined missions on the Caribe since the end of 2024.

Implications for the oil sector

Donald Trump stated that the Estados Unidos will be “heavily involved” in the Venezuela oil industry. Essa statement suggests a significant shift in American foreign policy toward Venezuelan natural resources, which are crucial to the global economy.

Despite the intervention announcement, Trump assured that China “will continue to receive Venezuelan oil”, highlighting the complexity of economic and geopolitical relations. Essa stance seeks to balance international interests while the US redefines its influence in the region.

The future structure of the Venezuelan oil sector may face profound transformations, with a potential impact on production, exports and the country’s strategic alliances. Observadores internationals await the details of this “involvement” promised by the Estados Unidos.

The future of Venezuelan leadership

Asked who would take power in Venezuela, whether opposition leader María Corina Machado or vice-president Delcy Rodríguez, Trump declared that “I am still deciding on the future of

Instability scenario in Caracas

A series of explosions hit Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, with at least seven detonations in about 30 minutes, according to reports from news agencies. The explosions were felt in several parts of the Venezuelan capital.

Residents of different neighborhoods reported intense tremors, the constant noise of aircraft flying over the city at low altitude and rushing in the streets, indicating the atmosphere of apprehension and chaos during the operation.

Part of the city was left without electricity, especially in the vicinity of the La Carlota air base, in the south of the capital. The interruption of energy supply amplified the feeling of instability and uncertainty among the population.

Trump himself had announced the action on his social networks: “The Estados Unidos of América successfully carried out a large-scale attack against the Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, captured with his wife, and removed from the country by air.”

Caracas government reaction

The vice-president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, publicly stated that she had no information about the whereabouts of Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Ela demanded immediate proof of life from the American government, reinforcing the diplomatic tension and uncertainty that hangs over the Venezuelan leadership.

Rodríguez’s statement highlights the lack of communication or the secret nature of the operation. Essa The absence of official information generated international concern about political stability and respect for human rights in the context of military intervention.