According to Semafor, the first oil sale by the Trump administration to Venezuela was worth $500 million, marking a "milestone" in the U.S. management of Venezuela, just 11 days after the U.S. seized Maduro. Since last week's announcement of the U.S.-Venezuelan energy agreement, the interim leadership of Venezuela led by Rodriguez has shown "full cooperation" with the United States, which holds the "leverage" over Venezuela through sanctions and oil sales. According to officials from the Trump administration, the proceeds from oil sales are currently held in bank accounts controlled by the U.S. government, with the main account located in Qatar. As a neutral location, funds can flow freely under U.S. approval without worrying about being seized. According to Trump's order, at least part of the revenue will be held in an account at the U.S. Treasury.
Rubio responded on Wednesday to questions from Senator James Risch, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, regarding "Operation Absolute Resolve." Rubio stated that on January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces conducted targeted and limited military strikes within Venezuela, "arrested and transported" the Maduro couple to the United States for federal criminal prosecution. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued arrest warrants for both individuals based on an indictment by a grand jury, citing their "central role in a broad conspiracy," which "caused predatory invasion into the United States, instability in the Western Hemisphere, mass deaths, human suffering, and a continuing and significant danger to the United States." Rubio said that the Maduro couple is currently residing in a heavily guarded location, protected by well-equipped armed personnel. He also said that Trump directed this operation within the scope of his presidential duties. There are currently no U.S. military personnel in Venezuela, and any future military operations requiring U.S. personnel to enter hostile areas will be conducted in accordance with the U.S. Constitution, with the executive branch submitting written notifications to the legislative branch under the War Powers Resolution.
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The U.S. captures the President of Venezuela
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854384749882379/
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