US President Donald Trump addressed the public after US special forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores this morning.
Earlier in the day, US forces carried out several strikes on Venezuelan territory, targeting military infrastructure and ports.
Speaking from his mansion in Florida, Trump said that the US armed forces had carried out a military operation in the Venezuelan capital.
The largest operation
“Air, naval and ground forces were used to carry out an operation the likes of which have not been seen since World War II,” said Trump, adding that the aim of the operation was to bring Nicolas Maduro to justice.
He said that this was the largest operation in history, emphasizing that he was speaking from his mansion in Palm Beach, Florida.
He also recalled that the operation was spectacular, comparing it to the “Midnight Hammer” mission that US forces carried out in Iran a few months ago.
“Only the US military can do it. We arrested Maduro in the middle of the night. It was dark in Caracas, most of the lights were off, it was dark and extremely dangerous. He was arrested together with his wife Cilia Flores,” said Trump.
He added that he wanted to thank the members of the US military for carrying out the operation in the late hours of the night.
According to him, the Venezuelan authorities were expecting an attack, but they were quickly overpowered and disabled.
“I wish you could see what I saw last night. No American citizens were killed, we did not lose any aircraft. A large number of people participated in the action, and we did not record any losses,” said Trump, emphasizing that the American army is the strongest and most capable in the world.
The best military equipment
He also emphasized that the USA has the best military equipment in the world.
Trump said that the United States of America will “lead the country” until a peaceful and legal handover of power is possible.
“We will lead the country until we ensure a legal transfer of power,” said Trump, adding that America wants peace and justice for the people of Venezuela.
Finally, he stated that American forces were prepared for a second attack.
“The first strike was so successful that we believe a second one will not be necessary, but we are ready if the need arises,”concluded Trump.
He stated that it was not ruled out that an even larger-scale attack could be repeated, and then called on businessmen to invest millions to repair the oil infrastructure.
