CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, R-7th, representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, applauds the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. The limited operation occurred early on the morning of Jan. 3 and quickly achieved its objectives.

Mackenzie, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Western Affairs Subcommittee, congratulates President Donald Trump, thanks our armed forces and expresses his hopes for a peaceful and democratic future for Venezuela.

“The capture of Nicolás Maduro is a decisive victory for U.S. security and regional stability,” Mackenzie said. “Maduro was an illegitimate dictator and narcoterrorist who funneled drugs into the United States – killing countless young Americans. As a result of this operation, the United States, the western hemisphere and the broader world are safer and more secure.”

In recent years, Maduro’s illegitimate regime has engaged in state-sponsored narcoterrorism and prompted a refugee crisis that impacted our borders.

“With Maduro’s reign now toppled, and American justice on the horizon, we look forward to working alongside the Venezuelan people to establish a democratic and prosperous nation that no longer poses a threat to American families,” Mackenzie said. “We thank American servicemembers for their bravery, ingenuity and success and we pray for a swift recovery for all those who were injured. We are grateful there have not been any immediate fatalities among our armed forces.”