Washington to govern Venezuela until stable leadership emerges
United States President Donald Trump has declared that Washington will effectively "run" Venezuela for the time being following a decisive military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Speaking from Florida on Saturday, Trump outlined a strategy where the US will oversee the South American nation until a stable and judicious transition of power can be established.
Operation Absolute Resolve
Briefing the press, Trump praised the overnight US military strikes, codified as "Operation Absolute Resolve." He described the mission as a historic display of American military competence, noting that it rendered Venezuelan military capacities powerless in a short period. According to the President, US forces, in coordination with law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro during the overnight operation.
Ensuring a Safe Transition
The central theme of the Trump Venezuela strategy focuses on preventing a power vacuum. Trump emphasized that the US would not allow another leader to take control without ensuring the best interests of the Venezuelan people are met. "We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition," he stated, adding that American presence will remain constant throughout this period to guarantee peace and liberty.
Focus on Oil and Infrastructure
Beyond governance, the President highlighted plans to revitalize Venezuela’s economy, specifically its vast oil reserves. He indicated that major US oil companies would step in to rebuild the sector. Trump explained that these companies would invest billions to repair the "badly broken" oil infrastructure, aiming to generate revenue for the country once again.
Military Readiness
Concluding his address, Trump warned that the US military remains on high alert. He revealed that a second, larger wave of attacks had been planned but was deemed unnecessary after the initial success. However, he affirmed that forces stand ready to stage further actions if the situation demands it.
