US Military Action in Venezuela Captures Maduro

The United States government has announced a military intervention in Venezuela resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. President Donald Trump declared that the US intends to govern Venezuela directly until a political transition is secured. Speaking at a press conference, Trump emphasized that the US would not hand over power immediately to avoid a continuation of the previous regime's policies.

Trump stated, "Vamos governar a Venezuela até que possamos fazer uma transição segura, adequada e sensata. Não queremos que outra pessoa assuma o poder e a situação permaneça a mesma dos últimos anos. Portanto, vamos governar o país." This translates to the US governing the country to ensure a change in the status quo. The operation marks a significant shift in US foreign policy in the region, reviving memories of past interventions in Latin America.

The administration views the move as a consolidation of hegemony among neighboring countries. Trump issued a warning to other nations, specifically mentioning Cuba, regarding the consequences of not treating their populations fairly. He stated, "O que aconteceu com Maduro pode acontecer com outras pessoas que não sejam justas com suas populações." This suggests the administration is prepared to take similar actions against other regimes in the region.

Following the capture, Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia, were transported to New York. They are expected to face serious criminal charges. The allegations include narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices targeting the United States.

Photographs released by the White House show Maduro in US custody. He was depicted handcuffed and blindfolded, a treatment described as standard for the transfer of dangerous prisoners. The administration has emphasized the severity of the alleged crimes committed by the Venezuelan leadership against US interests.

The decision to intervene appears to have been driven by a hardline faction within the Trump administration, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. For years, Rubio and the so-called 'Miami hawks' have advocated for regime change in Venezuela, rejecting diplomatic solutions. The recent operation signifies the victory of this approach over more moderate alternatives.

Economic interests also play a role in the administration's motivation. President Trump highlighted the potential financial benefits for the United States, specifically regarding access to Venezuelan oil. The administration views the intervention as a way to secure commercial advantages while removing a hostile government.

Despite the aggressive military action, the administration's plan for the transition remains vague. The US embassy in Caracas has been closed since 2019, leaving no diplomatic staff or infrastructure on the ground. This lack of presence may necessitate the deployment of additional US troops to manage the country. Furthermore, Trump made surprising remarks regarding potential collaborators, suggesting that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez might assist the US. Conversely, he dismissed opposition leader María Corina Machado as a future leader, claiming she lacks internal support and respect.

The military operation has raised concerns regarding international law. Critics argue that the attack violates legal norms and sets a dangerous precedent for the region. Countries that do not align with the current US administration's interests may find themselves on the defensive following this display of force.

The intervention is viewed by some as a reimplementation of the Monroe Doctrine, as interpreted by the Trump White House. By asserting control over Venezuela, the US signals a willingness to intervene directly in the internal affairs of Latin American nations to secure its strategic and economic goals.