The Arrest of Maduro: How the US Captured the Dictator and What It Means for the World.
According to ТСН: Videos featuring helicopters, explosions, and smoke over Caracas quickly spread around the world. The military operation 'Absolute Resolve' attracted the attention of US President Donald Trump, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who were monitoring the events in real-time. Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were taken straight from their bed and sent to New York for trial.
The arrest of the Venezuelan leader was the culmination of a months-long campaign by Trump and his personal achievement.
Maduro is accused of supporting drug trafficking to the US, which has led to a rise in fentanyl-related deaths among Americans. Since September of this year, the US military has repeatedly attacked drug-related vessels, resulting in the deaths of at least 95 Venezuelans.
During the ground operation, according to the New York Times, about 40 people were killed, including civilians and military. To capture Maduro, as stated by Axios, the CIA actively used agents who monitored all his actions, knew where he lived, what he ate, and how he slept. Special forces even recreated a replica of his house for drill purposes.
During the capture, the couple attempted to hide in an army room but did not succeed. The question remains: how did they manage to bypass the numerous security obstacles surrounding Maduro? Perhaps his guards simply surrendered, realizing the leader's weakness?
The End of the Dictator
Pleased with the operation's outcome, Donald Trump spoke to reporters with comments.
'We will govern the country until we can implement a safe, proper, and prudent transition,' he said.
Currently, the country will be governed by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez by the decision of the Venezuelan Supreme Court. Trump confirmed that she agreed to cooperate.
The Maduro regime was not recognized as legitimate by the international community, including Ukraine.
Nicolás Maduro, a former bus driver and Hugo Chavez's associate, became president after his death in 2013, gradually establishing authoritarian control over the country.
Venezuela lost its status as the richest country in Latin America, falling into a deep economic crisis, forcing millions to seek better lives outside the country, while any attempts at protests were harshly suppressed.
Despite opposition victories, Maduro continued to remain the self-proclaimed leader in the 2024 elections.
Reactions from around the World
Trump's actions elicited mixed reactions worldwide. Russia and China, which supported the Venezuelan regime, acknowledged that the US violated international law.
'Such hegemonic actions by the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty, as well as threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean,' stated the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Russia and Belarus, demonstrating how to disregard international law, apparently influenced Trump, allowing him to carry out the 'Absolute Resolve' operation.
Europe is responding cautiously, calling for an analysis of the legal aspects of US actions. The EU's chief diplomat urged caution, while the French president congratulated Venezuelans on their new opportunities.
Ukraine is also actively supporting the right of peoples to freedom.
'It's good that they know what to do with dictators,' commented the president of Ukraine on the special operation.
What Will Happen to Venezuelan Oil
Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world. Trump announced that American companies would be involved in the development of these reserves.
'It will cost us nothing because the money extracted from the ground is significant... We want safety there. I think what will happen in Venezuela over the next year will be a wonderful phenomenon, and the biggest beneficiaries will be the people of Venezuela,' said the US president.
Although development will not happen immediately, it will have strategic significance, changing the situation for the Russian economy as well.
This demonstrates that even reliable security systems do not guarantee the safety of dictators. Putin's entourage received an important lesson from the situation with Maduro.
What Awaits Maduro
Maduro is already in a detention center in New York, and he may face charges of drug terrorism, corruption, and other criminal offenses.
Global media are questioning the further consequences of these events. One thing is known - Trump intends to take active measures on the international stage.
The changes taking place cannot but concern other countries that may find themselves under threat.
An international observer notes that Trump's fear of intervening in foreign wars had persisted until recently, but after the successful operation in Venezuela, he may seek even greater activity in US foreign policy.
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