In a striking announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States orchestrated a military operation leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. During an interview with Fox News, Trump elaborated on the circumstances surrounding Maduro’s capture, revealing plans that had been in motion days prior to the operation.
Trump stated that the decision to remove Maduro was made after he communicated directly with the Venezuelan leader, urging him to surrender. “I told him: you must give up, you must surrender,” Trump noted, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The operation was initially planned four days in advance but faced delays due to adverse weather conditions.
Details of the Operation and Future U.S. Involvement
According to Trump, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transported to New York after their arrest, facing multiple charges, including narcoterrorism. Trump described their mode of transport as a combination of helicopter and boat, stating, “They were flown away, and I believe they enjoyed the flight.” He highlighted the severity of Maduro’s actions, claiming, “They have killed many people, including many Americans and people in their own country.”
The President also outlined a significant shift in U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s oil industry, declaring that the U.S. would be “strongly involved” moving forward. This statement underscores the importance of energy as a central component of U.S. policy towards Caracas in the wake of regime change.
Trump praised the elite Delta Force unit for their execution of the operation, acknowledging their “speed” and “violent efficiency.” He affirmed that he was closely monitoring the operation from Florida. “I could follow every aspect of the operation, between Florida and the ground in Venezuela,” he commented. Although he noted that several American soldiers sustained injuries during the raid, he confirmed there were no fatalities among the U.S. forces.
A New Phase in U.S.-Venezuelan Relations
The President’s remarks signal a pivotal moment in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, as Washington enters a new phase in crisis management. This involves pursuing legal actions against former leadership while enhancing American influence in key sectors of the Venezuelan economy. Trump warned those remaining loyal to Maduro that they would face a “bad future,” hinting at potential repercussions for the former regime’s supporters.
As the situation evolves, the international community will be watching closely to see how U.S. policies will reshape the landscape in Venezuela and impact its citizens. The focus on accountability and the future of leadership in Venezuela has intensified, raising questions about the stability of the region.
