**U.S. Military Captures Maduro in Daring Raid: Trump Vows to 'Run' Venezuela Amid Global Outrage**

In a stunning escalation of tensions, the United States military conducted a large-scale nighttime strike in Caracas, Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife early Saturday morning. President Donald Trump announced the operation on social media, stating that Maduro was 'captured and flown out of the Country' to face federal drug charges in New York.

The raid, dubbed 'Absolute Resolve,' involved approximately 150 aircraft, including F-35 and F-22 fighter jets and B-1 bombers, launched from 20 bases to neutralize Venezuelan air defenses. U.S. forces inserted troops via helicopters into Caracas, rendering Venezuelan military capacities 'powerless' with no reported resistance. Photos emerged showing a handcuffed Maduro escorted by the DEA administrator.[1][2][3][4]

Trump held a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, declaring the U.S. would 'run' Venezuela temporarily to ensure a 'safe, proper and judicious transition,' aiming to 'get the oil flowing' and deliver 'peace, liberty and justice' to Venezuelans. He noted readiness for a potential 'second wave of strikes' if needed and suggested Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was willing to cooperate.[1][2][4]

Venezuela's Supreme Court swiftly ordered Rodríguez, Maduro's handpicked vice president, to assume the presidency for 'administrative continuity.' She denounced the capture as a 'barbaric' and 'illegal kidnapping,' vowing to defend Venezuela's sovereignty and demanding Maduro's immediate release.[1][3]

The operation follows U.S. recognition of opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as Venezuela's legitimate president after his claimed 2024 victory over Maduro. French President Emmanuel Macron urged a peaceful transition respecting voters' will, while China condemned the strikes as violations of international law.[2][4]

U.S. Democrats, including Senate Armed Services Committee members, slammed the action for bypassing Congress, with calls for a Gang of 8 briefing. Critics question if this marks U.S. entry into war with Venezuela, amid reports of no innocent civilian casualties but explosions rocking Caracas.[3][4][5]