Trump to Honor Elite Forces Behind Daring Maduro Capture in High-Stakes Operation

US President Donald Trump is set to meet the special forces who captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The visit will take place at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. First Lady Melania Trump will join him. They will greet the troops and their families.

The raid took place on January 3 in Caracas. US forces flew in under cover of darkness. They seized Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a tightly guarded compound. The operation shocked the world. Reports say 83 people were killed and over 112 injured. Remarkably, no US soldiers died.

The mission, named Operation Absolute Resolve, showcased highly trained special forces. Trump called the operation “spectacular” and praised the skill of the troops. He described them as “unbelievably talented patriotic people.” The president also teased a secret weapon, the “discombobulator,” which he claims disabled Venezuelan equipment.

Maduro is now in US custody. He faces charges including drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. He has pleaded not guilty. His next court hearing is scheduled for March 17 in New York. Meanwhile, Trump approved former vice president Delcy Rodriguez to act in Maduro’s place, under US supervision.

Trump has repeatedly highlighted the operation as proof of US military power. He said it demonstrates Washington’s determination to control threats in its own hemisphere. The president has used the raid to rally supporters and showcase a decisive foreign policy action.

At Fort Bragg, the meeting will honor the bravery of the troops and their families. The White House said Trump wants to personally recognize the soldiers who carried out a high-risk mission with precision and courage.

The operation remains controversial internationally. Some experts question its legality and impact on Venezuela’s sovereignty. Others argue it shows the reach of US military and intelligence operations.

For the soldiers involved, the Fort Bragg visit is a rare moment of recognition. For Trump, it reinforces his image as a leader willing to take bold action abroad. The raid will likely remain one of the most talked-about special operations in recent history.