The United States prepared a large-scale special operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to investigative reports. US intelligence agencies involved over 150 aircraft, practiced routes and scenarios, and even built a replica of the presidential palace for detailed training. The goal was to minimize risks during the operation and be ready for any scenario.
The operation was considered amid allegations against Maduro of drug trafficking, corruption, and human rights violations. In the US, he is seen as part of a global criminal network. Despite extensive preparations, the plan was never implemented due to high risks, possible international repercussions, and the threat of escalation.
An article in The New York Times notes that Maduro’s bold behavior, notably his dancing on Venezuelan state television, became the “last straw” for some in the US administration. Before the operation, Maduro was offered “golden exile” in Turkey, which he refused.
The discussion covers the influence of China and Russia in the region, US strategy to regain control over Latin America, and Venezuela’s significance for the global energy market. Experts stress the importance of countering autocracies, especially in the context of global competition between democracies and authoritarian states.
The article also reports on the role of the opposition, mass migration of Venezuelans, control over oil resources, and prospects for democratic change. The US showed willingness to take tough actions, balancing risk and global security in a complex international landscape.
