Trump on the capture of Maduro: US announces transitional governance of Venezuela
Donald Trump
The US President said that the operation to capture Nicolas Maduro was one of the largest since World War II. According to him, the strike targeted a heavily fortified military facility in the centre of Caracas, and all Venezuelan military capabilities were quickly neutralised. Trump stressed that no US military personnel were killed and no equipment was lost.
He confirmed that Maduro and his wife are in custody on a US warship and will be taken to New York for trial. According to Trump, the United States will temporarily lead Venezuela until a «safe and controlled transition of power», and major US oil companies are investing billions of dollars in infrastructure rebuilding. He also announced that the oil embargo will remain in place and that he is ready for a second, much larger operation if necessary.
Pete Hugheset
The US Secretary of Defence stressed that no other country is capable of conducting an operation of this scale. He emphasised that the actions in Venezuela demonstrate America First policy and the principle of "peace through strength", as well as Washington's determination to stop drug trafficking and restore American deterrence in the Western Hemisphere.
Dan Kane
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that Operation Absolute Resolve had been in the works for several months and was carried out on the night of 2 January. It involved more than 150 aircraft from 20 bases in the Western Hemisphere, including F-22s, F-35s, B-1 bombers and drones. According to him, first, Venezuela's air defence systems were disabled, after which the helicopters landed the capture team in Caracas. One aircraft was damaged, but all forces returned safely.
Marco Rubio
The US Secretary of State said that Maduro was a fugitive from US justice with a $50 million reward, which will no longer have to be paid. He emphasised that the detention was the result of Maduro's refusal to accept numerous settlement offers and warned other Venezuelan officials of personal responsibility.
Later Trump also touched on Russia, Ukraine and Cuba, saying that the war in Ukraine must be stopped and emphasising that the US will maintain a full range of military options in Venezuela until all US demands are met