Maduro operation not setting a precedent: expertBy Jonathan Chin / Staff writer, with CNAThe abduction of deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro on Saturday bolstered Washington’s global credibility without setting a precedent for China to attempt a similar action in Taiwan, a policy expert said. US special operations forces on Saturday carried out a nighttime operation in Caracas to capture Maduro, following a series of paralyzing airstrikes directed against Venezuela’s Russian-made air defense systems. Some Asian allies have expressed hopes that common regional adversaries would take notice of US military power the operation showcased, he added. Separately, a former Pentagon official on Tuesday said that China is unlikely to succeed in capturing Taiwan’s leaders in a swift aerial military operation due to Taiwan’s extensive air-defense systems. The operation relied on precise intelligence, surveillance, and strikes on key military targets and power infrastructure, enabling US special forces to capture Maduro with “little to no unwanted damage,” he said.

Source: Taipei Times January 07, 2026 17:15 UTC