Trump Press Conference: 150 fighter jets raid Venezuela, arrest Maduro and send him to the United States for trial

President Trump announced at a press conference on January 3rd that U.S. forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Maduro and brought him in for trial. This operation, codenamed “Absolute Resolve,” involved over 150 aircraft and was completed within 3 hours to carry out the targeted elimination mission. Trump warned Cuba and Colombia to “be careful,” emphasizing that the Western Hemisphere’s dominance is unquestionable, and announced that American oil companies will take over Venezuela’s energy infrastructure.

Codenamed “Absolute Resolve” 150 Aircraft, 3-Hour Elimination Operation

U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Kane disclosed at the press conference that this military operation was launched at the request of the Department of Justice, under the codename “Absolute Resolve.” At 10:46 PM Eastern Time on January 2nd, Trump officially ordered U.S. forces to execute the targeted elimination mission against Venezuela.

The scale of the operation was unprecedented, with over 150 aircraft taking off from 20 different land and sea bases across the Western Hemisphere, including bombers, fighters, reconnaissance, surveillance, and rotary-wing helicopters. As the forces approached Caracas, the joint air force units first dismantled and disabled Venezuela’s air defense systems, using precision weapons to ensure the safety of the helicopter formations entering the target area.

The helicopter formations employed low-altitude tactics directly targeting Maduro’s residence, arriving at 1:01 AM on the 3rd. At 2:01 AM, the arrest teams stormed the residence and sealed off the surrounding area. Kane stated that during the arrest, the helicopters were attacked, and the U.S. military responded with overwhelming firepower in self-defense. One aircraft was hit but remained flyable. Ultimately, Maduro and his wife were successfully detained, and the forces withdrew to a maritime base at 3:29 AM.

Key Data of the Military Operation

Aircraft Deployed: Over 150 various aircraft

Launch Bases: 20 land and sea bases

Operation Codename: Absolute Resolve

Total Duration: About 3 hours (22:46 to 03:29)

Timeline:

22:46 Trump issues the order

01:01 Helicopter formation reaches the target

02:01 Arrest teams storm the residence

03:29 Forces successfully withdraw to sea

Results and Losses:

· Successfully detained Maduro and his wife

· Disabled all Venezuelan air defense systems

· One U.S. aircraft was hit but remained operational

· Multiple exchanges of fire occurred during the withdrawal

Maduro transported to New York for trial; US to take over Venezuela’s oil

Trump stated at the press conference that all military forces in Venezuela have lost their fighting capability. Maduro and his wife are currently on a ship heading to New York, where both will face U.S. judicial proceedings. Trump emphasized that law enforcement arrested the Maduro couple while they were under high security, demonstrating U.S. military capability.

Regarding the subsequent management of Venezuela, Trump announced that the U.S. will continue to control Venezuela until a safe and proper transfer of power can be conducted. Trump did not set a time limit for the U.S. occupation, claiming that when and how to return Venezuela to its people will be decided by the U.S. He said he is appointing a team to manage Venezuela until it “gets back on track.”

In response to Vice President Rodriguez’s swearing-in as president, Trump said Secretary of State Pompeo has spoken with him. However, Trump questioned whether Rodriguez was chosen by Maduro and stated that no one in Venezuela can take over power, as opposition leader Machado lacks influence there.

Economically, Trump announced that major U.S. oil companies will enter Venezuela to invest billions of dollars in repairing severely damaged infrastructure, especially oil facilities. Trump emphasized that the embargo on all Venezuelan oil remains fully in effect, and the U.S. will enable “normal supply” of oil to ensure the Venezuelan people are “properly cared for.” This statement reveals the economic motives behind U.S. intervention in Venezuela.

Trump Threatens Cuba and Colombia, Ready for a Second Attack

During the press conference, Trump issued stern warnings to other Latin American countries. He said this operation should serve as a warning to anyone threatening U.S. sovereignty or endangering American lives. Trump specifically named Colombian President Petro, warning him to “be careful.”

Regarding Cuba, Trump called it a “serious failure” of a country and a case worth watching. He said, “The U.S. wants to help the Cuban people,” implying Cuba could be the next target. He emphasized that “America’s dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again,” clearly asserting regional hegemony.

On military preparedness, Trump said he initially thought a second wave of action might be necessary, but now it may not be. However, he stressed that if needed, the U.S. is ready to launch a second round of attacks. Trump claimed the U.S. is not afraid to deploy ground troops, and on the 2nd evening, the U.S. had already deployed ground forces at the highest level.

Trump warned, “All political and military figures in Venezuela should understand that Maduro’s fate could happen to them too.” He stated that the U.S. naval fleet remains in position, and all military options are reserved until U.S. demands are fully met. Trump declared that terrorists and criminals will not be allowed to go unpunished and threaten the United States.