SWFL reacts to capture of capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - The recent U.S. operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has stirred mixed reactions in Southwest Florida. While some see it as a show of strength, others express concern over the methods used and the implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Several individuals shared their apprehensions about the operation with WINK News. One person said, "Well, I think that it is the United States acting more in a bully capacity to a country that is unable to defend itself to the same capacity as the United States is able to attack."

The operation is seen by some as a major geopolitical win, but there are voices that believe it sends the wrong message globally. "Is this opening up the door to other larger, stronger countries to then bully smaller countries? So, I think it's really a can of worms," said another concerned individual.

Daniel Wasserberg, who has family ties to Venezuela, shared his personal connection to the issue. "I have cousins who used to live in Venezuela who had to leave the country. They left because the country changed from a democratic capitalist country into a communist dictatorship," he said.

Despite his personal connection, Wasserberg questioned the legality of the U.S. actions. "I'm an attorney, so I always think process is very important. You can't just go say, this is the result we want, let's take it. You got to get there legally. And I think that, well, I don't think that international law was followed today," he said.

Others acknowledged the strength of the U.S. military. Steve Lana, a Southwest Florida resident, said, "They are elite, and there's no question they are the best fighting unit in the world."

However, Lana also expressed his concerns about the potential long-term consequences. "I'm afraid of the consequences that it will have, not only regionally in Central and South America, but the message that it sends to other dictators around the world. That might makes right. If you have enough military, you can do whatever you want," Lana said.

As global reactions continue to unfold, many in Southwest Florida are closely watching the situation to see what happens next.