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U.S. Seizes Maduro in Caracas Raid, Says It Will Run Venezuela During 'Safe' Transition

Venezuela’s top court installs Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim authority following the U.S. raid.

Overview

  • Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are in U.S. custody in New York under a newly publicized Justice Department indictment alleging narcotics-related crimes.
  • The operation, dubbed Absolute Resolve, was planned for months and used more than 150 aircraft to conduct strikes around Caracas, including near Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota.
  • President Trump said Washington will oversee Venezuela until a transition and signaled he would permit U.S. oil companies to operate there, while leaving embargo measures in place.
  • Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered Delcy Rodríguez to assume interim powers and authorities demanded proof of life for Maduro after the overnight capture.
  • Russia, China, Iran and others condemned the action as unlawful, Venezuela requested a U.N. Security Council meeting for Monday, and unconfirmed reports cited dozens of deaths in the raid.