Donald Trump, the President of the United States, shared his reaction this Saturday to the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a military operation spearheaded by the elite Delta Force in Caracas.
"I had never witnessed anything like it. Watching it in real-time, I observed every detail," Trump expressed in an interview with FOX News.
"The professionalism, the quality of leadership... it was truly astonishing," the U.S. president added, describing the event as "a flawless operation."
The Department of Justice announced formal charges against Maduro and Flores for narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of weapons of war. Both were apprehended in the Venezuelan capital and are now in the custody of U.S. forces.
Pamela Bondi, the Attorney General of the United States, confirmed in a statement that Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York and will be transported to U.S. soil to face trial soon.
"Maduro and his wife stand accused of conspiring to traffic cocaine into the United States and using automatic weapons and explosives for terrorist purposes," Bondi explained on her X account.
"They will soon face the full extent of American justice, on American soil and in American courts," added the Attorney General, who thanked President Trump for "having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American people."
Bondi also praised the military forces for carrying out the "successful mission," which was executed by Delta Force, the same unit that took down ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019.
The apprehension of Maduro and Flores marks a historic moment. This is the first time in decades that the United States has carried out a direct military operation in Latin America, prompting widespread international attention and mixed reactions within the region.
Understanding the Implications of Maduro's Capture
What charges are Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores facing?
Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores have been charged with narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and possession of weapons of war.
Who carried out the operation to capture Maduro?
The operation to arrest Maduro and his wife was conducted by the elite Delta Force unit, known for its previous mission that eliminated ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019.
Where will Maduro and Flores face trial?
Maduro and Flores are set to face trial in the Southern District of New York, where they have been formally indicted.