US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Venezuela following a dramatic military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated that additional military action remains a possibility if the South American nation does not comply with US demands, signaling a sharp escalation in Washington’s posture toward the region.

The operation, conducted on Saturday and described by US officials as part of a broader campaign against international drug trafficking networks, involved American forces entering Venezuelan territory and carrying out airstrikes in the capital. The mission, referred to by US authorities as Operation Absolute Resolve, culminated in the seizure of Maduro and Flores from the presidential palace, according to statements from the White House. Trump praised the operation, highlighting what he described as exceptional professionalism and bravery displayed by US personnel involved in the mission.

“We were prepared to do a second strike,” Trump said during the flight. When asked whether further military operations had been ruled out following the capture of the Venezuelan leader, he responded that additional action remained on the table. Trump added that future steps would depend on Venezuela’s conduct, reinforcing the message that Washington is prepared to intensify its response if necessary.

The US president emphasized that American forces did not suffer casualties during the operation, while acknowledging significant loss of life among opposing forces. Trump stated that many of those killed were Cuban nationals, describing the outcome as regrettable but unavoidable. Cuban authorities later confirmed that 32 Cuban citizens died during the attack on Caracas. Reports also indicated that one Colombian national was killed during the operation, underscoring the broader regional impact of the incident.

Trump framed the operation as a critical component of his administration’s war against drug cartels and narcotics trafficking, a campaign he has repeatedly linked to instability across Latin America. He used the occasion to issue pointed remarks toward neighboring countries, including Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba, warning that they could also face US military pressure if they fail to curb drug-related activities that affect the United States.

Referring to Mexico, Trump said the country must strengthen its efforts to combat drug trafficking and claimed that he had previously offered US military assistance. He suggested that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was hesitant to accept such support, characterizing her stance as one of concern and fear. Trump argued that without stronger action, the flow of drugs into the United States would continue unchecked.

Turning to Colombia, Trump delivered some of his sharpest criticism, alleging that the country’s leadership is deeply entangled in the cocaine trade. He suggested that Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s position was unstable and implied that US action against Colombia was a possibility. When pressed by reporters on whether this could include direct operations targeting Colombia’s leadership, Trump responded affirmatively, further fueling speculation about potential escalation.

Trump also addressed the situation in Cuba, claiming that the country is facing increasing pressure and may struggle to endure without subsidized Venezuelan oil. He asserted that the deaths of Cuban nationals during the Caracas operation illustrated Havana’s involvement in regional conflicts and suggested that Cuba’s current trajectory could lead to significant political change. While Trump said he did not believe immediate action against Cuba was necessary, he indicated that developments were moving rapidly.

The capture of Venezuela’s president and the accompanying rhetoric from Washington have sent shockwaves through Latin America, raising concerns about regional stability and the potential for wider conflict. As governments across the region assess the fallout, Trump’s statements have made clear that the United States is prepared to pursue an aggressive approach in its fight against drug trafficking, even as questions mount about the broader diplomatic and humanitarian consequences of such actions.