Overview
- U.S. officials say Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores are in custody on a U.S. warship bound for New York to face narco-terrorism and weapons-related charges.
- The Pentagon said Operation Absolute Resolve used more than 150 aircraft from 20 bases, with helicopters reaching Maduro’s compound after strikes suppressed Venezuelan defenses.
- President Trump declared the United States will administer Venezuela on an interim basis, warned a larger second strike could follow, and did not rule out deploying ground forces.
- Trump said U.S. oil companies will enter to rebuild PDVSA’s infrastructure and keep exports flowing, including to China, asserting the effort would be financed by oil revenue.
- Venezuela’s government denied Washington’s account, demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, and foreign leaders criticized the operation as the U.N. Security Council prepares a review.