Trump says injured US service members from Operation Absolute Resolve are ‘in good shape’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Trump informed on Sunday, January 4, that all service members wounded during the mission to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife are currently in 'good shape.' 

Trump characterized the high-stakes military operation as a success, noting that despite the intense danger and equipment damage, no lives were lost.

Trump praises service members amid high-risk operation

President Trump praised the 'bravery' and 'tremendous patriotism' of the forces involved in the mission while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. 

He acknowledged the extreme risks taken by the team, stating, "It was a very dangerous operation. It was amazing that we had a few injured, but all are in good shape right now." 

Reflecting on the courage shown during the raid, he added, "Amazing talent and tremendous patriotism, bravery — The bravery was incredible."

Trump details intense firefight and helicopter damage during raid

Trump provided details regarding the intensity of the combat encountered, noting that bullets were 'flying all over the place.'

"They got off the helicopter, and the bullets were flying all over the place. As you know, one of the helicopters got hit pretty badly, But then we got everything back and nobody was killed," he told the reporters. 

When questioned about the specific command structure of the raid, Trump remarked, "Don't ask me who's in charge because I'll give you an answer and it'll be very controversial... It means we're in charge..."

Trump labels Venezuela a ‘dead country’ due to mismanagement

Speaking about the country, Trump said Venezuela is in terrible shape and called it 'a dead country right now,' while asserting, "we have to do one thing in Venezuela—bring it back."

He suggested that the nation's decline served as a warning of what the United States might have faced under different political leadership. 

He emphasized that the country has been 'horribly run' and that its once-dominant oil production has plummeted to poor levels due to years of mismanagement.

Trump claims major oil companies stand ready to rebuild infrastructure

To fix the ongoing economic crisis, Trump asserted that the country requires massive investment to repair its breaking energy sector. He claimed that major global players are prepared to step in once the situation stabilizes. 

"The oil companies are ready to go and rebuild the infrastructure," he said, noting that while the foundations for production were built years ago, they had been systematically dismantled or neglected by the previous regime.