Venezuelan Dictator Maduro’s Interview before Capture

In a recent interview conducted just days before he was taken into custody by U.S. forces, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro expressed a willingness to consider negotiations concerning drug trafficking networks associated with his government.

The pre-recorded session featured Maduro behind the wheel of his vehicle, chatting with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet. They covered the potential for an agreement focused on drug trafficking. In a segment aired on state television, Maduro stated that Venezuela was “ready” to engage in discussions with the United States regarding these issues, urging nations to gather data and have serious conversations.

He noted, “The U.S. government knows—many of their spokespeople have indicated—that if they’re serious about tackling drug trafficking, we are open to it.” He added that if the U.S. is interested in oil, Venezuela is prepared to welcome American investments “whenever and wherever they want.”

In a related development, President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. had conducted airstrikes in Caracas, resulting in the capture of Maduro and his wife. “The United States has successfully launched a major attack on Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who was captured and exiled along with his wife,” Trump stated.

Later, during an interview on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Trump described how he monitored the operation from Mar-a-Lago, adding that Maduro and his wife were flown via helicopter to Iwo Jima. When asked about their current location, he mentioned they were en route to New York. “Yes, Iwo Jima,” he affirmed, elaborating that they had a comfortable flight, although he noted the severe consequences of Maduro’s actions in maintaining his grip on power.

Reports indicate that Maduro could appear in federal court in New York as soon as Monday.