US President Donald Trump said US energy companies would play a major role in Venezuela’s oil sector, calling them the ‘biggest and best’ in the world. This comes hours after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during an early-morning raid on Saturday.

Vice President JD Vance added that the US had repeatedly warned Maduro and offered ‘off ramps’, but would not tolerate drug trafficking or stolen oil.

Delta Force Operation and Legal Action

According to officials, the raid was conducted by Delta Force operators, with coordination from US law enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the indictments in Manhattan federal court and praised the military for executing a ‘successful operation’.

Caracas Responds

Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez mobilized forces nationwide, calling the strike the worst aggression in Venezuela’s history. The government declared a state of external disturbance and accused the U.S. of targeting civilian and military sites.

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Residents reported fires, smoke, and power outages near major military facilities.

The strike marks the peak of months-long US pressure aimed at removing Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013. Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of running a narco-state and warned of military action if he did not step down.