Sat Jan 03 22:59:49 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured in a nighttime military operation and brought to the United States to face charges of narco-terrorism. The operation, authorized by President Donald Trump, has drawn international criticism and raised questions about its legality. Trump has announced plans to “run” Venezuela, exploit its oil reserves, and sell them to other countries. Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez has demanded Maduro’s release and has been appointed interim president by the nation’s Supreme Court. The operation resulted in casualties, including Venezuelan civilians and members of the military, and some injuries to U.S. forces.

News Article:

Maduro Captured, Brought to U.S. as Trump Declares Intent to “Run” Venezuela

Caracas, Venezuela – In a stunning turn of events, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was apprehended in a nighttime military operation and transported to the United States to face criminal charges. The operation, authorized by U.S. President Donald Trump, has ignited a firestorm of controversy both domestically and internationally.

Mr. Maduro was reportedly extracted from a military base in Caracas along with his wife, Cilia Flores, on Saturday, January 3rd. Video footage shows a plane arriving at Stewart International Airport near New York City, with individuals believed to be Mr. Maduro disembarking under heavy guard of U.S. law enforcement officials, including the FBI. He faces charges of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy.

The Trump administration defended the action as a necessary step to address the crisis in Venezuela. However, legal experts have questioned the legality of the operation, citing the lack of congressional approval. Adding fuel to the fire, President Trump announced plans to “run” Venezuela and exploit its vast oil reserves, drawing immediate condemnation from the Venezuelan government and international bodies.

“We will fix the country’s oil infrastructure and sell large amounts of oil to other countries,” Trump stated.

Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez vehemently denounced the operation as an act of “imperialism” and demanded Maduro’s immediate release, asserting that he is the country’s only legitimate leader. The Venezuelan Supreme Court has appointed Rodriguez as interim President. Rodriguez claimed that some Venezuelan civilians and military personnel died during the operation, while Trump reported some US military forces suffered injuries.

The capture of Maduro marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations. The fallout from this event is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the region.

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