06 January 2026, 09:44

‘Betrayal was involved’: Expert draws parallel between Maduro abduction and Hussein capture

Aleksandr Tishchenko [Screengrab/BelTA]

From Belarus to the world: A tour guide on Domeyko’s Chilean legacy and Chagall’s roots

Analyst highlights pragmatic rationale behind Poland’s EU membership

MINSK, 6 January (BelTA) – The course of the U.S. operation in Venezuela and the subsequent abduction of President Nicolás Maduro point to betrayal, national security expert Aleksandr Tishchenko said in a new episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA’s YouTube channel.

“Let us note that the U.S. operation in Venezuela was swift and lightning-fast. And although it is portrayed as some kind of ideal operation, the expert community is inclined to believe that betrayal was involved. A very similar model was once used in Iraq against Saddam Hussein. It happened just as quickly and with virtually no resistance,” stated Aleksandr Tishchenko.

At the same time, the expert believes that in the event of a full-scale U.S. intervention in Venezuela, the Latin American region could become another Vietnam. “It would be a deep guerrilla war, against which America has no defense, just as it had none back then [during the Vietnam War]. This is something that cannot be controlled,” he emphasized.

Aleksandr Tishchenko recalled that Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko had previously warned that aggression against Venezuela could turn into a second Vietnam for the United States. “Apparently, the Americans understand the full gravity of this issue, which is why they are acting remotely through certain control groups. The fact that they are not sending in troops suggests that the possibility of betrayal [of President Nicolás Maduro] by the Venezuelan elites is quite real,” the expert believes.

He also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump made harsh statements against Cuba and Colombia. “This hint, or even threat, to Latin American leaders suggests that they need to take a closer look at their surroundings. Anyone could suffer the same fate if they are infiltrated. I think the Americans will stop at nothing to subjugate the leaders of Latin American countries,” concluded Aleksandr Tishchenko.