I think what’s difficult to grasp is how easy they kidnapped Maduro. If it’s as easy as a few months of training, simulation and intelligence and then just do it, how is it possible that none of the other much worse world leaders have not had this happen to them until now? Has this ever even happened in recent history?
You’re telling me the US had the capability to eliminate any of the worst ones in much more problematic countries and chose not to because there was no oil in it for them? That’s a grim thought.
You forgot the part where they bribed some Venezuelan defense officials to stand down. Everyone saw this regime change coming, they just didn’t expect the US to get directly involved.
That entire Chinook formation could have been shredded by a single infantry group equipped with some cheap stingers (or equivalents).
Some of the local reporters even claimed that Maduro’s own security convinced him to leave by helicopter, where Delta was already waiting for him.
They key note here is that Maduro was not well enough supported within his own circle. If you want a recent example, they could have done the same thing to Assad since he fled without even notifying the CO of his army.
Countries like Russia and NK have a complicated internal political structure that revolves around the leader ensuring he can never be couped. The US wouldn’t be able to just buy them off to create such a situation.
It’s not a regime change. Venezuela still has the same regime, just with a different president. People are terrified because the government seems to be out for revenge.
I didn’t actually catch the info that they managed to bribe officials to stand down so this is a pretty satisfying answer to my question. Thanks!