US attacks Venezuela | What we know so far about Maduro's capture

Early on Saturday, the United States President Donald Trump captured Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores as part of a military operation.

This operation came on the heels of escalating tensions between the two countries with the Trump administration periodically conducting strikes on Venezuelan boats, which the administration claimed were 'carrying drugs'.

The US launched air strikes inside Venezuela, with Trump saying, "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Here is what we know so far

During a press conference, the United States President confirmed that US officials such as Rubio, Hegseth and Caine will be running Venezuela for the time being.

Trump confirmed that Maduro and his wife were on enroute to New York. He confirmed this to the American News programme Fox New, that the couple were taken to a ship after being captured by US forces and were headed to the US city.

The Republican leader also said that, "We’re going to run the country (Venezuela) until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”. However, he did not divulge the details regarding this arrangement.

Trump said that American oil ‌companies were prepared to enter Venezuela and invest to ⁠restore production in the South ‌American country.

"We’re going to have our very large U.S. oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, ​oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country," Trump said.

As per law of the South ‌American country, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez should take power, but there was no news regarding the same.

Trump also posted a photo of the Venezuelan leader on his Truth Social platform which shows the president in handcuffs, wrap-around sun goggles and headphones.

According to Associated Press, US officials tracked Maduro’s behavioral habits, including what he ate and where he slept, in preparing to execute an operation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a sworn foe of Cuba's communist government, warned Havana during the news conference "If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I'd be concerned at least a little bit."

Even Trump said, "Cuba, as you know, is not doing very well right now. That system has not been a very good one for Cuba. The people there have suffered for many, many years and I think Cuba is going to be something we’ll end up talking about, because Cuba is a failing nation right now.”