U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday (local time) that some U.S. soldiers who apprehended Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro earlier that day sustained injuries, but none were killed.

The President said during a television interview, "The house he was in was more like a fortress than a regular home."

"There were steel doors, and it was called a safe zone, which is surrounded by solid steel, as you know. He was trying to get into that space, but he was quickly attacked and couldn't get in."

"We were prepared. We had all the equipment, including giant flame torches needed to break through that steel, but it wasn't necessary. He didn't make it to that section of the house."

Trump dismissed criticism from Democrats who claimed the operation was illegal without congressional approval.

Rejecting claims that the strike was unjustified, Trump called critics "weak" and accused them of trying to distract from years of failed policies.

When asked about congressional approval for the operation, Trump said, "Look, these are weak and foolish people. They are trying to save themselves in a situation where they almost destroyed our country. I think if I hadn't been elected, our country wouldn't exist right now."

President Trump praised the military operation as "genius" and "incredibly well-organized." He lauded the U.S. military personnel who successfully executed the highly precise operation in Caracas. He stated that U.S. troops operated in near-total darkness and faced strong resistance, yet successfully completed the mission.

"These brave soldiers who went into the field last night did an amazing job," President Trump said. "We are saving lives."

The President repeatedly framed the operation as part of a broader effort to eradicate drug trafficking, claiming that under his administration, maritime drug smuggling into the United States had dramatically decreased. He stated that each intercepted vessel prevents tens of thousands of deaths related to fentanyl and other drugs.

President Trump also revealed that his administration was prepared to launch further attacks if necessary, referencing a "second wave" of operations that was ultimately deemed unnecessary due to the effectiveness of the initial action.

"We were ready," he said. "We had a massive fleet on the scene, bigger than anyone has ever seen."

When questioned about Vice President JD Vance's remarks that the U.S. had offered Maduro multiple escape routes, Trump revealed he had spoken directly with Maduro about a week prior, urging him to surrender.

"It almost worked," Trump said, adding that Maduro ultimately refused.

Trump warned that Maduro loyalists remaining in Venezuela would face a grim future, suggesting that public support for the regime had eroded. He claimed that people were seen waving American flags at protests in Caracas, though this assertion could not be independently verified.

Regarding the future of Venezuela's oil industry, Trump emphasized U.S. energy dominance, stating that American companies would be "very powerfully involved," and dismissed concerns about international backlash, including from China.

"I have a very good relationship with President Xi Jinping, and there will be no problem," Trump said.

For security reasons, President Trump did not disclose the specific U.S. military units involved but described them as the most trained in the world. He added that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and senior military officials would provide further details at a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m.

At the conclusion of the interview, President Trump revealed that Maduro and his wife were in U.S. custody and en route to New York, where they would be indicted. The vessel transporting them is the USS Iwo Jima.

"They killed many people to stay in power," President Trump said. "They even killed their own people."

Despite concerns raised in Congress about the constitutional authority for the strike and the risk of prolonged U.S. involvement in Venezuela, President Trump emphasized that the operation sent a clear message.

"We will not be disrespected as a country anymore," he said.

U.S. NNP=Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com