Inside the U.S. Operation to Oust Venezuela’s President

Overview

This episode delves into the dramatic U.S. military operation, Operation Absolute Resolve, which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. It explores the meticulous planning, execution, and the broader implications of this unprecedented act of American power, including the U.S.'s controversial decision to oversee Venezuela's governance and economy post-capture.

Notable Quotes

- We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition. – President Trump, on U.S. plans for Venezuela post-Maduro.

- They felt so confident because, in his words, they had Maduro wired. – Eric Schmitt, on the CIA's intelligence capabilities during the operation.

- This is not actually an act of war... just a very well-funded, expensive arrest. – Natalie Kitroeff, summarizing the operation's framing.

🛡️ The Audacity of Operation Absolute Resolve

- The operation marked the first U.S. capture of a sitting foreign leader in over 25 years, drawing comparisons to the 1989 capture of Panama's Manuel Noriega.

- Eric Schmitt described the mission as extraordinary, highlighting its scale and precision, involving over 150 aircraft and special operations forces.

- The operation was framed as a law enforcement mission, with U.S. forces serving an arrest warrant for Maduro on drug trafficking charges.

🕵️‍♂️ Intelligence and Planning

- Months of preparation included CIA infiltration into Venezuela, monitoring Maduro's daily routines, and securing an informant within his government.

- The CIA conducted stealth drone surveillance and built a replica of Maduro's safe house in the U.S. for Delta Force training.

- The operation's timing was delayed by poor weather, but once initiated, it unfolded with precision, culminating in Maduro's capture and transport to the U.S.

💥 Execution of the Mission

- The operation began with missile strikes on Venezuelan military bases and oil tankers to weaken Maduro's defenses and economy.

- Delta Force commandos faced resistance but ultimately captured Maduro and his wife without significant casualties.

- The mission was completed in just over two hours, with Maduro flown to a U.S. warship and later to New York for detention.

🇺🇸 U.S. Plans for Venezuela

- President Trump announced that the U.S. would temporarily run Venezuela, focusing on rebuilding its oil infrastructure with American companies.

- The U.S. plans to work with Venezuela's interim leadership but retains the threat of military intervention if cooperation falters.

- Critics argue this approach risks entangling the U.S. in prolonged nation-building, contradicting Trump's previous anti-interventionist stance.

🌍 Global and Domestic Implications

- The operation has sparked debates about the normalization of military force for political objectives and its impact on U.S. relations with rivals like Russia and China.

- While some Venezuelans celebrated Maduro's removal, others questioned the U.S.'s motives, particularly its focus on oil profits over democratic restoration.

- Critics warn of the dangers of unilateral U.S. actions setting a precedent for future interventions under the guise of law enforcement.