The United States military on Saturday carried out an operation in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, who is expected to face criminal prosecution in New York.
Commending the efforts of US troops involved in the mission, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called the operation the most advanced, complex, and successful ever undertaken. Speaking in an interview with American journalist Tony Dokoupil, Hegseth expressed admiration for the personnel involved.
“I saw the best of America. I saw men and women dedicating their lives to the country and to accomplishing that mission…It is incredible to be able to serve,” Hegseth said.
He further emphasized the scale of the mission, adding, “It can only be described as the most sophisticated, the most successful and the most complicated operations of all times,” the US official said.
According to Hegseth, the troops were assigned the mission by US President Donald Trump and successfully completed it despite significant challenges.
“It is incredible to be able to serve Such skilled courageous and brave Americans,” Hegseth said.
Meanwhile, Democratic members of the US Congress alleged that Hegseth had previously assured lawmakers during briefings over the past few months that there were no intentions of launching a ground invasion in Venezuela and that the administration was not pursuing regime change.
US strike on Venezuela and Maduro’s dramatic capture
On Saturday, the United States detained Maduro and his wife and transported them out of Venezuela in a highly unusual military action that removed a sitting head of state from power. The couple was flown to New York, where they are expected to be held in federal custody and face criminal charges linked to a Justice Department indictment accusing them of involvement in a narco-terrorism conspiracy, according to Associated Press.
Following the arrest, President Trump stated that the US would temporarily oversee Venezuela’s administration and would seek to exploit the country’s extensive oil reserves by selling “large amounts” to international buyers.
US officials revealed that the mission—code-named Absolute Resolve—had been meticulously planned and rehearsed over several months. Once initiated, the operation concluded in less than 30 minutes and brought Maduro’s rule to an end within hours.
The strike and subsequent capture represented the climax of a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against Venezuela, which included months of operations targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling to the United States.
Behind the scenes, US authorities reportedly monitored Maduro’s daily routines, including his eating and sleeping habits, as part of preparations for what AP described as one of the most dramatic regime changes in modern history.
India’s first reaction after US operation in Venezuela: Advisory for citizens
In response to the unfolding situation, India on Saturday advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela following the capture of President Maduro and his wife by US forces after a military assault on Caracas.
American troops launched the mission after months of rising tensions between Washington and Caracas, during which the US accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking—claims he has denied. The US also conducted more than 20 air strikes in waters near Venezuela since September.
“In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in an advisory issued late Saturday.
Indian citizens currently in Venezuela were urged to “exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact” with the Indian Embassy in Caracas via email at cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or through the emergency helpline at +58-412-9584288.
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