"U.S. to Govern Venezuela"...Arrested President Maduro and Wife Arrive in New York, Trial Expected Next Week

Arrival at New York Military Air Base

U.S. media outlets, including CNN, reported on January 3 (local time) that an aircraft carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were apprehended in a U.S. special forces military operation, arrived at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York.

President Trump of the United States revealed President Maduro of Venezuela. Photo by Yonhap News

Foreign media reported that Maduro was seen disembarking from the plane surrounded by FBI agents.

Earlier, at around 1 a.m. Eastern Time, the United States deployed a large force to the presidential safe house in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, and arrested President Maduro and his wife. They were then transported by helicopter to the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, which was on standby.

The New York Times, citing sources, reported that President Maduro and his wife are expected to be transferred by helicopter from Stewart Air National Guard Base to Manhattan.

The couple is expected to be moved to the headquarters of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City and then detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

The United States had previously indicted President Maduro on charges including drug trafficking and money laundering in March 2020, during the first Trump administration.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that President Maduro is expected to appear before a federal court in Manhattan next week.

President Trump held a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, stating, "We will govern Venezuela until a safe, appropriate, and wise transition (of power) can be achieved."

He added, "We cannot risk someone else who does not care about the well-being of the Venezuelan people taking control of Venezuela. We are now in Venezuela, and we will remain until a proper transition can take place."

President Trump emphasized, "The U.S. fleet is currently on standby in its present location (off the coast of Venezuela). The United States retains all military options, and we are prepared to launch a much larger second strike if necessary."

President Trump also announced that, in parallel with the transition of power in Venezuela, U.S. oil companies will enter the local market to increase crude oil production, thereby raising funds for interim governance and national reconstruction, and that U.S. military forces will play a physical role on the ground.