Donald Trump is set to meet US special forces who captured former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro during a January military operation in Caracas, according to the White House. The visit comes as Venezuela enters a sensitive political transition under interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
The operation, carried out on January 3, resulted in the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a US assault that Venezuelan authorities say killed 83 people and injured more than 112 others. No US service members were reported killed.
Maduro is currently detained in the United States and faces charges including drug trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty, and his next court hearing is scheduled for March 17 in New York.
Donald Trump Visit to Fort Bragg
The White House said Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to Fort Bragg in North Carolina to meet the troops involved in what Washington called “Operation Absolute Resolve.”
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the soldiers as “heroic members of our special forces” who helped bring what she called “narco-terrorist Nicolas Maduro to justice.”
The operation involved US forces entering Venezuelan airspace at night by helicopter and seizing Maduro from a heavily guarded compound in Caracas. Venezuelan officials said the raid began with US air strikes on military targets.
Trump has repeatedly praised the mission at public events, describing it as “spectacular” and citing it as evidence of US military capabilities. In interviews, he has also referred to the use of a classified system that he claimed disabled Venezuelan military equipment during the assault.
Maduro in US Custody and Political Transition
Maduro’s detention in the United States marks a significant shift in Venezuela’s political landscape. US authorities have charged him with drug trafficking and other offenses. He has denied the accusations.
Following the raid, Delcy Rodriguez assumed the presidency with US backing. According to AFP, Trump approved Rodriguez as a successor on the condition that she grant Washington access to Venezuela’s oil sector and ease state repression.
The United States has since taken control of Venezuela’s oil sales, with Trump stating that Washington would receive a share of the profits. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently toured Venezuelan oil facilities alongside Rodriguez and called for a “dramatic” increase in production.
Key developments since January 3 include:
- Arrest and transfer of Maduro to the United States
- Appointment of Delcy Rodriguez as interim president
- Expansion of US involvement in Venezuela’s oil sector
- Release of hundreds of political detainees
Amnesty Bill and Protests in Caracas
In Caracas, lawmakers postponed the adoption of a proposed amnesty bill intended to halt prosecutions of political opponents during nearly three decades of socialist rule under Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro.
The bill would cover charges such as “treason,” “terrorism,” and spreading “hate,” offenses frequently used against dissidents. However, disagreement emerged over whether beneficiaries must appear in court to request amnesty.
Opposition lawmaker Nora Bracho argued that requiring court appearances was unnecessary and that amnesty should apply automatically. Pro-government lawmaker Iris Varela insisted that individuals should acknowledge alleged offenses before cases are closed. Debate is set to continue on February 19.
According to rights group Foro Penal:
- More than 400 political prisoners have been released since December
- Over 600 people remain in detention
Thousands of opposition supporters marched in Caracas demanding the release of all detainees. Demonstrators chanted “We are not afraid” and called for full amnesty.
At the same time, the ruling socialist party organized a counter-demonstration drawing thousands of supporters on Venezuela Youth Day.
Rodriguez Pledges Elections
In an interview with NBC News, Rodriguez said she is “absolutely” committed to holding free and fair elections. She stated that the timing would be determined through a future political dialogue.
Rodriguez also said that sanctions relief would be necessary to ensure credible elections. At the same time, she defended previous electoral outcomes, describing Maduro as the “legitimate president” and “innocent” of US charges.
She addressed the potential return of opposition figure and Nobel Peace laureate Maria Corina Machado, currently in exile in the United States. Rodriguez said Machado would “have to answer to Venezuela” over her support for US sanctions and military action.
The political transition continues to unfold amid competing pressures from Washington, domestic opposition groups, and supporters of the former leadership.
Conclusion:
Donald Trump’s meeting with the troops involved in the Caracas raid underscores Washington’s central role in Venezuela’s current political transition. As Maduro remains in US custody and debates over amnesty and elections continue in Caracas, the country faces an uncertain path forward.
