US involvement in Venezuela may persist for an extended period

US Special Forces Abducted Venezuelan President Maduro, Says Interior Minister

A US operation to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro resulted in 100 deaths and dozens of injuries, according to Venezuela’s interior minister. The incident occurred on Saturday, when US special forces took Maduro and his wife into custody.

In an interview with The New York Times, US President Donald Trump stated that the US would continue to exert influence over Venezuela, saying it would control the country’s oil sales “indefinitely”. Trump also indicated that the US would remain involved in Venezuela for a period of time longer than one year.

Trump acknowledged the interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, who was recognized as president by the US, stating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to her frequently. The US had previously threatened Rodriguez with a similar fate to Maduro’s if she did not comply.

Venezuela’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, reported 100 deaths and dozens of injuries in connection with the operation. Maduro and his wife were injured but are recovering. The incident has sparked widespread mourning in Venezuela, with officials declaring a week-long period of mourning for military personnel killed during the raid.

The US has maintained that it will continue to play a role in Venezuela’s governance, with Trump stating that the country would be “rebuilding” it in a profitable manner using its oil resources. The US has also announced plans to reduce oil prices and provide financial assistance to Venezuela.

Source: Al Jazeera