President Trump’s bold military operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro has exposed the deep Communist infiltration of Latin America, with Cuba confirming 32 of its military personnel died defending the narcoterrorist regime.
Story Highlights
- Operation Absolute Resolve successfully captured Maduro and his wife on narcoterrorism charges
- Cuba admits 32 military and intelligence operatives killed defending Venezuelan dictator
- Trump’s decisive action reclaims stolen U.S. oil reserves and dismantles drug trafficking network
- Republican leaders praise operation as justified defense against imminent threat to America
Trump’s Decisive Strike Against Narcoterrorism
On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces executed Operation Absolute Resolve, capturing Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Caracas. The operation involved over 150 aircraft conducting precision airstrikes across northern Venezuela while Delta Force helicopters landed in the capital.
Maduro faces longstanding narcoterrorism indictments in Manhattan federal court, where he appeared January 5. This decisive action demonstrates President Trump’s commitment to eliminating threats to American security and recovering stolen national resources.
#UPDATE 32 Cuban nationals were killed during the US attack on Caracas that culminated in the capture of Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro, the government in Havana said Sunday.
The deceased were members of Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces or the Ministry of the Interior who… pic.twitter.com/MWBU9TEbmB
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 5, 2026
Cuban Military Presence Reveals Communist Alliance
Cuba’s admission that 32 of its military and intelligence personnel died during the operation exposes the extent of Communist infiltration in Venezuela. These foreign operatives were actively supporting Maduro’s regime, providing military assistance to a government indicted for drug trafficking.
The presence of Cuban forces on Venezuelan soil confirms the international nature of the threat posed by these allied dictatorships. This revelation vindicates Trump’s decision to use military force against what amounts to a foreign occupation supporting narcoterrorism activities.
Constitutional Authority and National Defense
Republican leaders defended the operation under Article II presidential powers, emphasizing Maduro’s fugitive status and imminent threat to American interests. Vice President JD Vance declared the mission justified, stating “stolen oil must be returned” to America.
Senator Mike Lee confirmed the operation falls within constitutional executive authority for national defense. Representative Lisa McClain praised Trump for eliminating a “narcoterrorist” who threatened American communities through drug trafficking operations coordinated with criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua.
The operation targeted multiple military installations including La Carlota Air Base, Fort Tiuna, and Higuerote Airport, demonstrating comprehensive planning to neutralize Venezuelan defense capabilities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated no further military action is anticipated, suggesting the mission achieved its primary objectives. The FAA imposed flight restrictions over Venezuelan airspace while the U.S. embassy in Colombia issued shelter-in-place orders, reflecting careful coordination to protect American personnel and civilians.
Reclaiming American Assets and Energy Independence
Trump’s operation advances his longstanding commitment to reclaim oil reserves seized by the Maduro regime, which he has consistently characterized as stolen American property. The mission followed a December 2025 U.S. blockade and targeted strikes against smuggling operations used by transnational criminal organizations.
Venezuela’s rejection of a U.S. exile offer to Turkey demonstrated Maduro’s continued defiance of American interests. This successful capture eliminates a major obstacle to restoring legitimate governance in Venezuela and securing American energy assets in the region.
