On Friday, President Donald Trump visited Fort Bragg to meet with the special forces team responsible for the military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on January 3rd.
Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, who introduced him as a leader committed to "peace through strength," President Trump paid tribute to the troops involved in "Operation Absolute Resolve," the mission that challenged Maduro's dictatorship in Venezuela.
"We have the most powerful military in the world," declared Trump to the soldiers, emphasizing that his administration has moved past "the plague of political correctness" within the military ranks.
In a bold move, Trump also defended renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War. "We won World War I. We won World War II. And everything else," he asserted, boasting that the United States now possesses "a real force."
While using the occasion to project a narrative of overwhelming power, intertwining military actions against Iran with the Venezuelan operation, the most striking part of his speech came when he provided a detailed account of Maduro's capture. He described it as a swift, forceful, and technologically advanced raid.
Trump narrated that Maduro was located at one of South America's largest military bases, and U.S. troops arrived before he could seek shelter. He mentioned that the Venezuelan leader was behind "steel gates" but assured that the U.S. forces had the equipment to breach them effortlessly. "They got there before he could hide. But that wouldn't have mattered, as they were equipped to break through those gates," he stated.
The President hinted that the operation involved special technology to neutralize foreign defenses. He claimed that "stun devices" played a crucial role and confidently noted that "Chinese" and "Russian" equipment failed during the assault. "Well, they'll find out someday, but they didn't work," he remarked.
Trump acknowledged that some American pilots were injured in the operation, as helicopters landed under machine gun fire, but highlighted that Maduro was extracted within minutes. "By the time they realized what had happened, the helicopters were already leaving," he mentioned.
According to his account, the night of January 3rd was marked by explosions in Caracas, the entry of Delta Force into the presidential complex, and the neutralization of the Cuban security ring protecting the Venezuelan leader. In less than 30 minutes, Maduro and Cilia Flores were detained while attempting to hide in a bunker, based on journalistic reconstructions utilizing satellite images and intelligence reports.
Hours later, Trump confirmed Maduro's capture in what he described as a "precise operation with no American casualties." Initially taken to Guantánamo, Maduro was then moved to New York. Images that circulated worldwide showed him handcuffed and escorted by federal agents in Manhattan.
Since then, the regional political landscape has shifted dramatically. Washington is overseeing Venezuela's transition under interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, easing sanctions on the oil sector and paving the way for major American energy companies to enter.
Amidst this new environment, Trump has even hinted at a future visit to Venezuela, confirmed official recognition of the interim government, and defended the shift as part of a strategy for "strength and stability."
Key Insights on Maduro's Capture
What was the significance of "Operation Absolute Resolve"?
"Operation Absolute Resolve" was a critical military action that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, challenging his dictatorship and marking a significant shift in regional power dynamics.
How did the U.S. military overcome Maduro's defenses?
The U.S. military employed advanced technology, including special equipment to breach steel gates and neutralize foreign defense systems, ensuring a swift and effective operation.
What impact did Maduro's capture have on U.S.-Venezuela relations?
Maduro's capture has led to a significant change in U.S.-Venezuela relations, with Washington overseeing a transition and easing sanctions on the oil sector, fostering potential for economic collaboration.