Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the scale and complexity of the operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, describing it as one of the most daring and sophisticated missions carried out by the United States in a long time.
Rubio explained that Maduro was the highest-priority target and that his capture, along with that of his wife—who was also charged—required precise planning and flawless execution. The operation took place at one of the country’s largest military bases, where Maduro himself lived, significantly increasing the level of risk. Within minutes, U.S. forces were able to enter, detain him, read him his rights, and extract him from the country without any casualties or loss of U.S. personnel or assets.
The top U.S. diplomat emphasized that this type of mission cannot be replicated simultaneously in multiple locations due to its extreme logistical and operational complexity. In his view, questioning why similar actions were not carried out elsewhere at the same time ignores the reality of such high-risk operations.
Finally, Rubio strongly praised U.S. military personnel, recognizing their professionalism, bravery, and precision. He noted that the mission was not only a resounding operational success, but also sends a clear message to authoritarian regimes: no one is above the law, and justice can reach them, no matter how protected they believe they are.
