U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela: A Defining Success for American Special Forces

Former Undersecretary of Defense Robert Wilkie described the U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as one of the most successful special forces missions in American history during a recent interview.

Wilkie emphasized the mission’s months-long planning and unparalleled coordination across all branches of the armed forces. The operation integrated air, sea, land, and space capabilities with elite special operations units—a level of execution few nations could replicate, even on a smaller scale.

According to Wilkie, the mission exemplified the professionalism of U.S. service members and showcased capabilities he had not observed during his own intelligence career in the Navy and Air Force.

Looking ahead, Wilkie noted significant challenges remain in Venezuela, including entrenched figures from the Maduro regime and foreign influence within the country’s security apparatus. He questioned the legitimacy of Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez while acknowledging that Chavista loyalists still hold power.

The former defense official stated that the United States is working with elements of Venezuela’s military to restore the nation’s duly elected opposition, but warned that eliminating residual regime elements would require sustained pressure. Wilkie also highlighted the continued presence of Cuban operatives within Venezuelan security forces and cautioned that many senior military leaders remain loyal to the former regime.

Additionally, Wilkie noted that China’s support for Maduro proved ineffective after Beijing publicly backed the regime prior to the operation. He indicated that the outcome has exposed China’s limited influence in the Western Hemisphere.

When asked about potential U.S. ground troop deployment, Wilkie expressed hope that negotiations with Venezuela’s regular armed forces would prevent such a step. He added that the situation sends a clear signal globally: “This does send a strong message to the bad actors in the world that the United States military is the only armed force capable of doing these things,” he stated, noting that adversaries including Iran, Russia, and China are closely monitoring the consequences.