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Top officials from the White House went to Capitol Hill to defend one of the most audacious armed interventions in modern American memory: the forcible capture of a sitting head of state from his home city.

Details of the Raid Revealed to Senators

Key cabinet members, the nation's top lawyer, the intelligence chief, and the top military officer briefed all 100 U.S. senators on Operation Absolute Resolve, the lightning raid that extracted the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, from his home in Caracas and brought him to a New York City jail cell.

This briefing marked the first time the entire chamber heard particulars of the early January operation, which involved U.S. special forces entering Venezuela before dawn to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

A Plan Centered on Oil

Officials described a three-phase plan for Venezuela that revolved around oil: first, stabilization of the country; next, finding access for companies to enter the Venezuelan market; and a final phase described as “one of transition.”

“We are going to take between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil,” one official stated. “We’re going to sell it in the marketplace at market rates, not at the discounts Venezuela was getting.”

Political Divide Emerges in Washington

Beyond the oil, the operation has split Washington along predictable lines. GOP lawmakers have rallied behind the portrayal of the raid as a straightforward law enforcement action targeting an accused narcotics kingpin. Democrats warn of an illegal act of war that could plunge Venezuela into chaos and establish a troubling new norm for executive power.

“What we did is we took out an illegitimate president,” one Republican senator said. “He was never properly voted into office, so there can’t be regime change if he should have never been in power to begin with.”

Operational Timeline and Legal Proceedings

In the pre-dawn operation, elite troops hit several locations across the country's north, apprehended Maduro and Flores, transported them to a U.S. Navy ship, airlifted them to a U.S. air base, and then turned them over to authorities in New York. Days later, Maduro appeared before a judge pleading not guilty to charges including “drug terrorism” conspiracy.

Opposition Doubts and Public Unease

One Democratic senator emerged from the closed-door session disbelieving, stating the administration is “going to take the oil by force.”

“This is an reckless scheme,” the lawmaker said. “They are talking about stealing Venezuelan oil under threat of force for an undefined period as a bargaining chip to control the nation's affairs.” The senator added that they “heard no detailed plan” for ensuring Venezuela’s future stability.

This criticism reflects broader public unease. Polls indicate a significant portion of the public believe the operation should have required congressional approval. Separate surveys found about 75% express concern the U.S. will become too involved in Venezuela. Overall sentiment mirrors the political division on Capitol Hill.

“Across America, people are just saying what the hell is going on?” a senior Democratic leader stated. “We need answers as to how long this is going to last. We need answers on troop levels, financial cost, and what limits are in place.”

Uncertain Future and Global Criticism

The question of what happens next in Venezuela remains murky. Leadership has stated the U.S. would “manage” the country for an indeterminate time.

“The reality is the entire previous government structure is still intact,” one analyst noted. “Everyone is in great admiration of the capacity of our military... but there is little clarity about what comes next.”

International condemnation has been swift. Numerous nations have denounced the operation. At the United Nations, representatives from other major powers demanded Maduro’s immediate release, while the U.S. defended the action as a precise police action.

Wider Security Concerns

Republican lawmakers are also turning their attention toward Greenland, citing defense concerns.

“China and Russia are conducting activities near Greenland,” one GOP senator said. “In my view, we have a very keen interest in Greenland.”

The administration has kept a naval fleet positioned off Venezuela’s coast and recently took control of Venezuela-linked oil tankers, indicating it has no plans to reduce its stance.

“Our military is prepared to continue this,” a senior defense official told reporters. “We are an administration of action to advance our interests, and that is on clear view.”