U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described the operation capturing deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as "the most sophisticated, most complicated, and most successful joint special operations raid of all time" in statements reported between 12:15 a.m. and 12:45 a.m. UTC on January 4, 2026, according to CBS News and X posts by RapidResponse47. Hegseth called the action a "law enforcement exercise" by the Department of War supporting the Department of Justice to apprehend an indicted individual, stating it required no prior notification to Congress, per RapidResponse47. He said the mission ensures drugs stop flowing, stolen oil returns, and the U.S. controls Venezuela's next steps because "President Trump sets the terms," adding America gains security and prosperity while Venezuelans can benefit, as reported in the 29-minute window. Hegseth contrasted the operation with previous administrations' policies, saying it provides access to Venezuela's wealth and resources without American blood, and praised President Trump as a "President of action" who achieves peace through strength, according to RapidResponse47 posts during the period. A live exterior shot of DEA headquarters in Manhattan aired via CGTN Europe on X in the window. Separately, Financial Times reported President Trump expects the U.S. to extract "tremendous" oil wealth from Venezuela, as shared by FT on X. Rep. María Elvira Salazar stated a "new chapter" has begun for the hemisphere, per Fox News. In Caracas, armored vehicles were spotted this afternoon, according to Osint613 on X. The comments follow Maduro's arrival at Westside Heliport in New York just before 12:15 a.m. UTC, per prior CGTN Europe broadcast.
