Ops Absolute Resolve: How U.S launched secret pre-dawn raid, captured Maduro & ended his 13-yr rule

Key Concepts

• US Military Intervention in Venezuela: A large-scale US military operation successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, justified by claims of narco-terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, and threats to US national security.
• Post-Intervention Venezuela: The US intends to oversee a transition in Venezuela, rebuild the oil infrastructure funded by US oil companies, and benefit from Venezuelan oil resources as “reimbursement” for past damages.
• Drug Trafficking & Foreign Policy: The administration links Venezuela to a significant portion of drug deaths in the US and defends controversial decisions, like a presidential pardon, by drawing parallels to perceived political persecution.
• Russia-Ukraine War: The former President distances himself from the conflict, attributing it to the current administration and claiming he could have prevented it, while highlighting increased NATO funding during his term.
• American Military Strength & Exceptionalism: A recurring theme emphasizing the unparalleled capabilities of the US military and its willingness to act decisively on the global stage.

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US Intervention in Venezuela & Initial Justification

A large-scale US military operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, in Caracas. Described as comparable to WWII-era assaults, the operation was executed with “breathtaking speed, power, precision, and competence” and reportedly involved overwhelming air, land, and sea power with no US casualties or equipment loss. The intervention was justified on multiple grounds, including Maduro’s alleged campaign of “deadly narco-terrorism” against the US, his leadership of the “Cartel Deles Solless” drug cartel, his illegitimate hold on power, and his hosting of foreign adversaries like Iran and acquisition of threatening weapons. The administration alleges Maduro emptied Venezuelan prisons and sent violent criminals to terrorize American communities. Statistics cited claim 97% of drugs entering the US by sea have been stopped, with 25,000 annual deaths attributed to drugs originating from Venezuela. Maduro and Flores were indicted by the Department of Justice in the Southern District of New York. The operation, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” involved meticulous planning, intelligence gathering, and the integration of air, ground, space, and maritime forces, utilizing over 150 aircraft.

Post-Intervention Plans & Resource Management

The US intends to “run the country” until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” is established, preventing another undesirable leader from taking power. Individuals are being designated to oversee this process. A key goal is rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, to be funded by US oil companies, with the aim of restoring oil production and benefiting both Venezuela and the US. The former President stated Venezuela’s oil wealth will fund any US involvement, framing it as a cost-free endeavor, with the US receiving “reimbursement” for past damages caused by the country. He clarified the US will primarily send “expertise” related to oil extraction, not a large military presence (“boots on the ground”), and that oil companies will be the primary investors. He also expressed doubt about the current Venezuelan leader’s ability to govern, stating she lacks support and respect within the country. He revealed having urged Maduro to “surrender” and believed he was close to doing so.

Drug Trafficking, Pardons & Domestic Security

The administration defended a controversial presidential pardon of a former Honduran president convicted of drug trafficking by drawing a parallel to what he views as the “persecution” of Donald Trump by the Biden administration. He argued the pardoned president was “treated like the Biden administration treated a man named Trump,” emphasizing the former president’s party affiliation with the winning candidate in Honduras and claiming the decision was popular based on advisor assessments. Recent domestic security operations, including the deployment of the National Guard and military personnel in Washington D.C., Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, were highlighted as successes in reducing crime.

Russia-Ukraine War & Foreign Policy Perspective

The former President repeatedly distanced himself from the Russia-Ukraine war, calling it “Biden’s war” and emphasizing his ability to negotiate peace deals, citing his success in settling conflicts in Thailand and Cambodia (“eight and one quarter wars”). He claims to have settled these conflicts, though acknowledges subsequent “breakouts” requiring further intervention. He highlighted increasing NATO contributions from 2% to 5% of defense spending under his administration, framing it as financially beneficial for the US (“We’re probably making money on that”). He expressed dismay at the high casualty rate, estimating 27,000-30,000 deaths per month, primarily soldiers, and stated his desire to stop the bloodshed. He attributed the war’s occurrence to Joe Biden, Zelenskyy, and Putin, asserting, “If I were president, it would have never happened.” He characterized the war as a “bloodbath.”

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Conclusion

The presented information details a highly assertive justification and execution of US military intervention in Venezuela, coupled with a distinct foreign policy perspective. The narrative emphasizes American military dominance, frames the intervention as a national security imperative and a liberation of the Venezuelan people, and positions resource acquisition as a mutually beneficial outcome. Alongside this, a defensive stance is taken regarding past decisions and a clear disassociation from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is maintained, highlighting a belief in the former President’s unique diplomatic capabilities. The overall message underscores a commitment to American exceptionalism and a willingness to utilize military force to protect perceived US interests.