Donald Trump Releases Video on Nicolás Maduro Capture Eight Months After Operation
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
Eight months after the United States conducted an operation in Venezuela to capture former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, President Donald Trump shared a video of the operation on his social media. The post, which contains no text or explanation, was shared on Friday, September 11, at 11:13 p.m., amid ongoing diplomatic advancements between the two countries and shortly after new groups were added to the list of terrorist organizations in Latin America. The video, set to dramatic music, opens with the Venezuelan leader saying 'Come for me,' followed by footage from the press conference where Trump announced the capture. 'Last night, following the instructions of the President of the United States,' says General Dan Caine, as the video intersperses images of Maduro saying 'I await you here, in Miraflores' and clips from the operation. Statements from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, President Trump, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also appear in the video. Officials emphasize the strength of the U.S. Armed Forces, with Rubio adding, 'And if you don't know it yet, now you know, because this is how this will unfold. And I think people need to understand that this is not a president who just talks, sends letters, and holds press conferences. If he says he is serious about something, it’s because he means it. Don’t play games. Don’t play games with the sitting president, because it won’t end well.' Following the capture, discussions about oil and the uncertain future of the Latin American country led Trump to announce in late August 2026 that a historic agreement had been reached: 'the largest oil deal in history,' he stated. According to Trump, the plan aims to give the United States majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of proven reserves in Venezuela while securing 55% of effective production through company participation and oil purchased at cost. In March, the U.S. announced that both countries would restore their diplomatic and consular relations. After the announcement, the U.S. diplomatic mission in Caracas resumed operations that same month. Both steps forward were anticipated since January 2026, when Secretary Rubio explained that the process, following Maduro's arrest, would be divided into three phases: stabilization, recovery, and transition. 'The second phase will be a stage we call recovery,' the Secretary of State said at the time. 'And it involves ensuring that American, Western, and other countries' companies have access to the Venezuelan market in a fair manner,' he added. As relations between Venezuela and the United States continue to evolve, Maduro and Flores await trial on charges related to alleged narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, and possession of weapons. The judicial process is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
