Venezuela Begins Releasing Political Prisoners Following U.S. Military Operation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the wake of a dramatic U.S. military operation last week, Venezuela has started releasing political prisoners “in a BIG WAY,” President Donald Trump announced Saturday, attributing the move to American intervention. The operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, culminated in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were transported to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges.
“Thank you! I hope those prisoners will remember how lucky they got that the USA came along and did what had to be done,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. He also issued a stern warning to the freed detainees: “I HOPE THEY NEVER FORGET! If they do, it will not be good for them.”
The military strike involved more than 150 aircraft and months of meticulous planning, according to the Pentagon, and marked a significant escalation of U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis. At least 18 political prisoners have been confirmed freed so far, though a comprehensive list of releases has not been publicly disclosed.
Following the operation, the United States announced it would temporarily oversee Venezuela’s transition of power, pledging to maintain a presence “until such time as a safe, proper and judicious transition” can be achieved. U.S. forces remain on alert to escalate their presence if necessary, underscoring the administration’s commitment to stabilizing the region.
Maduro and Flores are currently held in New York, where they face charges in federal court. The move has drawn international attention and heightened tensions across Latin America, with neighboring countries closely monitoring the unfolding events.
President Trump’s comments come amid reports of government supporters rallying in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, illustrating the deep divisions that persist within the country. The U.S. administration has also expressed intentions to assist in the reconstruction of Venezuela’s critical oil infrastructure, a sector long hampered by mismanagement and sanctions.
The operation and its aftermath have prompted swift reactions from various U.S. agencies. The Department of Defense confirmed the scale and precision of the military strike, while the Department of State reiterated its commitment to supporting democratic governance in Venezuela. Additionally, the Department of Justice is actively pursuing the legal cases against Maduro and Flores, emphasizing the administration’s focus on accountability.
As the situation develops, the Central Intelligence Agency continues to monitor security and political dynamics within Venezuela, providing critical intelligence to U.S. policymakers.
The White House has yet to issue a formal comment beyond President Trump’s statements, but the operation signals a new chapter in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, with potential implications for regional stability and international diplomacy. Observers remain cautious, noting that the path to a stable and democratic Venezuela will require sustained effort and cooperation from both domestic and international actors.
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