Trump Announces Release of Political Prisoners in Venezuela

On Saturday, President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela has begun to release political prisoners in what he described as “a significant way.” This acknowledgement follows a recent U.S. military operation in the country.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed gratitude, saying, “Venezuela has begun the process in a major way by releasing political prisoners. Thank you! I hope the prisoners remember how lucky they were that the United States came along and did what they were supposed to do.”

He issued a cautionary note to those prisoners: “I hope they never forget! If they do, it won’t be good for them.”

These remarks from the president came just days after the U.S. initiated Operation Absolute Resolve, a mission aimed at capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Syria Flores, who have now been extradited to the United States on federal drug trafficking charges.

U.S. Advises Citizens to Leave Venezuela

Following the military operation, Trump indicated that the United States would temporarily oversee the transition of power in Venezuela. He emphasized American involvement until a “safe, appropriate, and prudent transition of power occurs,” and warned that U.S. forces are ready to take further action if needed.

As of Saturday, reports indicated that at least 18 political prisoners had been released, though there isn’t a public comprehensive list of everyone scheduled for release, as noted by various sources.

After their capture, Maduro and Flores were moved to New York to face charges in U.S. federal court. The Pentagon mentioned that Operation Absolute Resolve involved over 150 aircraft and had been in the works for months.

Plans for Venezuela’s Future

According to Trump, the U.S. plans to play an active role in ensuring Venezuela’s security, facilitating the political transition, and rebuilding its oil infrastructure.

The White House has yet to respond to inquiries regarding these developments.