The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores following months of surveillance and secret drills, culminating in a sudden nighttime operation. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the detention in an interview with CBS News, describing it as a law enforcement mission. He stated that the US Congress would be kept informed and emphasized that the future course of Venezuela would be determined by its own people.

Hegseth said the operation also considered America’s security, prosperity, and oil interests. He praised former President Donald Trump for making what he called the right decision and added that peace in a dangerous world requires strength. The defense secretary expressed confidence that both the United States and the Venezuelan people could ultimately benefit from the outcome.

The remarks suggest that Washington views the operation as both a strategic and economic move, with future developments in Venezuela expected to depend on internal decisions by its citizens.