Trump to meet special forces who captured Venezuela’s Maduro in deadly Caracas raid at Fort Bragg

Trump to Meet US Special Forces Behind Deadly Caracas Raid Capturing Venezuelan Leader Maduro

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Fort Bragg in North Carolina to meet the elite US special forces responsible for the dramatic and deadly capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas earlier this year. First Lady Melania Trump will join him as they honor the troops and military families, highlighting the United States’ commitment to recognizing the courage and strategic skill of its armed forces.

The operation, carried out on January 3, involved a highly coordinated nighttime assault in Venezuela, targeting Maduro’s heavily fortified residence. The raid resulted in 83 fatalities and over 112 injuries, though no American soldiers were reported dead. The mission, referred to internally as “Operation Absolute Resolve”, has been described by Trump as a display of US military precision and tactical superiority. The president also referenced the use of advanced technology to neutralize Venezuelan defenses, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the operation.

Following the raid, Maduro was captured and transported to the United States, where he now faces serious charges including drug trafficking and conspiracy, and has pleaded not guilty in New York federal court. His next court hearing is set for March 17, and the operation has intensified international scrutiny of both US interventionist policies and Venezuelan political stability. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the meeting with special forces is meant to honor their “heroism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to their mission under extreme risk.”

The raid has also had broader geopolitical implications, as US officials continue to monitor Venezuela’s political landscape following Maduro’s removal from power. Trump has repeatedly praised the operation as a demonstration of American military strength and leadership, noting that it sent a clear message to adversaries about US capabilities. Analysts suggest that the visit to Fort Bragg is both a symbolic recognition of military achievement and a strategic move to reinforce US influence in Latin America.

As Trump personally greets the special forces, the event is expected to highlight the operational planning, intelligence coordination, and tactical excellence that led to one of the most significant US special operations missions in recent history. The operation continues to generate debate over the legality and political consequences of foreign military interventions, making this meeting a high-profile moment in US-Venezuelan relations.