In a dramatic turn of events in Latin America, US President Donald Trump, in a decisive statement to Fox News, affirmed that the United States will not compromise on the Venezuelan issue following the recent military operation. Trump emphasized that Washington will not allow any other figure to continue the political and ideological path of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whose capture by US forces in a targeted operation on Saturday was announced.
A strongly worded message: There is no alternative to the current system
The US president explained that the goal of the operation went beyond simply removing one person from power; it extended to ensuring that the political vacuum would not be filled by someone who would adopt the same approach. "We cannot risk letting someone else take their place and continue the same path," Trump said, indicating that any attempt to reproduce the previous regime would be met with a firm response. He added that the United States would be heavily involved in shaping the country's future to ensure that past threats do not return, considering the military operation "a clear message that we will not be intimidated.".
Background to the conflict: Terrorism and drug charges
These developments culminate years of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. The US Department of Justice had previously indicted Nicolás Maduro and several of his top aides for "narco-terrorism," accusing them of turning Venezuela into a major cocaine transit hub and using state institutions to support criminal organizations. The US administration considers the Maduro regime a threat to US national security, not only because of the flow of drugs but also because of its strategic alliances with international powers that are rivals of the United States.
Dimensions of the operation and its impact on the Venezuelan people
In his remarks, Trump emphasized the humanitarian and political dimensions of the operation, stating, "We want to give the Venezuelan people freedom." Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest oil reserves, has been suffering from a severe economic and humanitarian crisis for years, leading to hyperinflation and acute shortages of food and medicine, forcing millions of Venezuelans to flee to neighboring countries and the United States. The US administration views the removal of Maduro as the necessary first step toward rebuilding the Venezuelan economy and restoring democracy.
Expected regional and international repercussions
This event is expected to have far-reaching consequences across the Americas and the world. On the one hand, Maduro's arrest could fundamentally alter the map of alliances in Latin America, particularly with countries that were aligned with the Venezuelan regime. On the other hand, this move sends a strong message about the United States' willingness to use direct military force and enforce its laws beyond its borders to protect its interests, which could provoke mixed reactions in the international community regarding state sovereignty and the limits of foreign intervention.
