US Vows Control Over Venezuela Oil After Maduro Ouster

The administration of US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday it would dictate key decisions by Venezuela’s interim authorities and exercise control over the country’s oil sales for an indefinite period following the removal of Nicolás Maduro.

The statement came despite interim leader Delcy Rodríguez insisting that Venezuela is not being governed by any foreign power. She described the US intervention as an unprecedented rupture in bilateral relations.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized during a swift operation in Caracas over the weekend and taken to New York to face drug-related charges, US officials said. The move has been portrayed by Washington as part of a broader doctrine asserting US dominance in the region.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States currently holds “maximum leverage” over Venezuela’s interim leadership and is closely coordinating with them. “Their decisions will continue to be dictated by the United States,” she told reporters.

Trump has said Washington will effectively “run” Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves. While no US ground troops have been deployed, the administration appears to be relying on a naval blockade and the threat of further force to secure compliance.

Meanwhile, authorities in Caracas said at least 100 people were killed and a similar number injured during the operation. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said Maduro and Flores were among the wounded but are recovering. Both were later seen walking unassisted during a court appearance in New York.

Officials in Havana claimed that 32 Cuban military personnel were among those killed. Cuba has long provided specialised security support to Venezuela’s leadership, a practice dating back to the era of former president Hugo Chávez.