US to assume control of Venezuela following Maduros seizure

US President Donald Trump has announced that the US will assume control of Venezuela until a safe and proper transition can take place. This statement was made during a news conference on Saturday, following a series of military operations in the country.

According to Trump, the US aims to “run” Venezuela until a suitable transition can be established. He stated that this would prevent other countries from intervening in the situation. The Trump administration had previously launched a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government, which included seizures of oil tankers and attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats.

On Saturday, the US military conducted operations in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. Maduro was reportedly taken into custody along with his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump claimed that Maduro faced drug-related charges in the US and would be transferred to New York for trial.

The Trump administration has stated that its actions are aimed at improving Venezuela’s oil infrastructure and generating revenue for the country. However, international leaders and legal experts have condemned the US actions as a violation of international law.

Source: Al Jazeera