🔗 Share this article Democratic Lawmakers Condemn Venezuela Attack as GOP Backs the President Following Senate Briefing. Top officials from the administration went to Capitol Hill to justify one of the most audacious military operations in recent US history: the seizure of a current national leader from his home city. Details of the Raid Revealed to Lawmakers The secretaries of state and defense, the attorney general, the intelligence chief, and the top military officer informed all 100 U.S. senators on Operation Absolute Resolve, the swift strike that removed the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, from his home in Caracas and transported him to a detention facility in New York. This briefing marked the initial instance the entire chamber heard particulars of the 3 January attack, which involved elite American troops swooping into Venezuela before dawn to capture Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Strategy Focused on Petroleum Officials described a three-phase plan for Venezuela that revolved around oil: first, stabilization of the country; next, creating opportunities for companies to operate in the Venezuelan market; and a final phase described as “a transitional period.” “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.” Partisan Split Erupts in Washington Beyond the oil, the operation has divided the capital along predictable lines. Republicans have united in support of the characterization of the raid as a straightforward law enforcement action targeting an indicted drug trafficker. Democrats warn of an illegal act of war that could plunge Venezuela into chaos and set a dangerous precedent for unilateral presidential action. “What we did is we took out an illegitimate president,” one Republican senator said. “He was never duly elected, so there can’t be regime change if he should have never been put in place to begin with.” Sequence of Events and Court Case In the early morning hours, special operations forces struck multiple targets across the country's north, apprehended Maduro and Flores, ferried them to a U.S. Navy ship, airlifted them to a U.S. air base, and then delivered them to authorities in New York. Days later, Maduro stood in federal court pleading not guilty to charges including “drug terrorism” conspiracy. Democratic Skepticism and Public Unease One Democratic senator emerged from the confidential briefing incredulous, stating the administration is “going to take the oil through military might.” “This is an insane plan,” the lawmaker said. “They are talking about stealing Venezuelan oil under threat of force for an undefined period as a bargaining chip to micromanage the country.” The senator added that they “heard no detailed plan” for ensuring Venezuela’s future stability. This criticism reflects wider citizen anxiety. Polls indicate a majority of Americans believe the operation ought to have needed legislative authorization. Separate surveys found about 75% express worry the U.S. will become overly entangled in Venezuela. Overall public opinion mirrors the partisan split on Capitol Hill. “Across America, people are just saying what is happening?” a senior Democratic leader stated. “We need answers as to how long this is going to last. We need answers on military presence, financial cost, and what limits are in place.” Unclear Path Ahead and International Condemnation The question of what happens next in Venezuela remains murky. Leadership has stated the U.S. would “run” the country for an indeterminate time. “The reality is the entire Maduro apparatus is still in place,” one analyst noted. “Everyone is in awe of the capacity of our military... but there is little clarity about the future plan.” Global criticism has been swift. Numerous nations have denounced the operation. At the United Nations, representatives from other major powers demanded Maduro’s prompt freedom, while the U.S. defended the action as targeted law enforcement. Broader Strategic Focus Republican lawmakers are also turning their attention toward Greenland, citing defense concerns. “China and Russia are operating off the coast Greenland,” one GOP senator said. “In my view, we have a significant strategic stake in Greenland.” The administration has maintained warships positioned off Venezuela’s coast and recently took control of Venezuela-linked oil tankers, signaling 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 deeds to advance our interests, and that is on clear view.”