Overview
- U.S. forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in an operation that included airstrikes, a capture confirmed by President Donald Trump.
- Trump said the United States will be very heavily involved in Venezuela’s oil industry following the operation.
- Venezuela holds about 303 billion barrels of proven reserves yet produces roughly 1.1–1.14 million barrels per day, mostly heavy and acidic crude that requires specialized refining.
- Initial market reaction was limited, with Brent around $60–61 and WTI near $57 late Friday, and oil futures are set to reopen Sunday evening.
- OPEC+ energy ministers plan a teleconference to assess supply policy, as analysts warn of potential indirect risks through shipping, insurance, financing and heavy-crude availability if instability persists.