It's not entirely unexpected - you must have missed the recent deployment of the US Navy in the region, which looked like a naval blockade. But this operation is certainly daring - far more impressive than simply blowing Maduro up with a drone strike, which I personally expected.

It's justified by portraying Maduro as a drug kingpin responsible for the fentanyl epidemic in the US. He is also blamed for some gang activity.

I figured it was coming because of Dear Leader's ramblings. TBH, I thought it was going to be the focus of the sudden address given on December 17. Instead we got amphetamine-fueled yelling about "PAY NO ATTENTION TO THAT MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN, THE ECONOMY IS REALLY GREAT" and something about a military bonus that was really just a way to rename and tax a pre-existing housing allowance.