President Donald Trump revealed that he personally witnessed the US military operation that led to the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump described the mission as remarkable, emphasizing the speed and precision with which it was executed. He watched the operation unfold live from Mar-a-Lago, expressing admiration for the exceptional performance of the personnel involved.
During the operation, Trump and his team monitored the events through video feeds, witnessing US forces swiftly breaching steel doors. Trump marveled at the efficiency of the operation, stating that he had never seen anything like it before. Despite a helicopter sustaining damage during the mission, Trump confirmed that no American troops lost their lives.
Maduro and his wife were airlifted out of Venezuela via helicopter and taken to the USS Iwo Jima, a US warship in the Caribbean. Trump disclosed that they were en route to New York, with reports suggesting that Maduro might appear in federal court in Manhattan soon. The President dismissed criticisms regarding the operation’s legality, rebuffing detractors and emphasizing the gravity of the charges against Maduro and his wife.
Trump cautioned Venezuelan government officials against supporting Maduro, warning of dire consequences for those who remain loyal. He highlighted the serious allegations leveled against Maduro, including drug trafficking and corruption, reiterating the US stance on his government’s actions. The operation, which involved elite US units and CIA intelligence, was described as a covert “snatch and grab” mission targeting Maduro and his wife.
