WASHINGTON (AP) — Following months of increasing military pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump executed a bold operation aimed at capturing him and bringing him to the United States to face a trial. The operation, described as "brazen," unfolded overnight, with Trump revealing details of the strike during a news conference held at his Florida residence.
During the operation, Trump announced that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were successfully extracted and flown by helicopter to a U.S. warship. Trump depicted Maduro's location as a “heavily fortified military fortress” situated in the heart of Caracas. He indicated that Maduro nearly reached a safe room in his palace but was intercepted before he could secure it.
Maduro's Fortified Position
In comments made during an interview on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Trump stated that American forces were armed with “massive blowtorches” intended to cut through steel walls should Maduro have locked himself inside the room. He illustrated the situation, explaining that Maduro attempted to access a “safety space” made of solid steel but was hurriedly dealt with upon the U.S. forces’ arrival.
General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, revealed that U.S. forces had meticulously prepared for months, monitoring Maduro’s routines, including details about his favorite foods and pets. "We rehearsed our maneuvers again and again," said Caine. Trump confirmed that the forces practiced their extraction on a replica of Maduro's residence to ensure operational success.
Operation in Darkness
The operation was carried out under the cover of darkness, with Trump noting that the “lights of Caracas were largely turned off.” At least seven explosions were reported in the area during the less-than-30-minute military and law enforcement raid. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez claimed that both civilians and military personnel were among the casualties in the incident.
A resident of Caracas recounted hearing explosions close to her home around 1:50 AM, indicating the intense nature of the operation. Trump confirmed that while a few U.S. personnel sustained injuries, he believed no fatalities occurred on their side. He remarked, “a couple of guys were hit, but they came back and they’re supposed to be in pretty good shape.”
Factors Influencing the Timing of the Operation
Trump detailed that bad weather initially delayed the operation, which had been planned for days earlier but was only executed when conditions improved. Caine emphasized that the complex operation depended on “perfect” weather for safe navigation. "Helicopters flew low to the water and were covered above by protective U.S. aircraft," he noted.
Operation 'Absolute Resolve'
General Caine provided statistics about the operation, dubbed “Absolute Resolve.” More than 150 aircraft, including F-18, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets, were involved. Trump authorized the operation at 10:46 PM EST on a Friday. The U.S. forces arrived at Maduro's compound shortly after 1:00 AM EST on Saturday and were back in water by 3:29 AM EST. The service members participating ranged from ages 20 to 49.
Capturing Maduro
After the successful operation, Trump declared that Maduro and Flores were taken to a U.S. warship, with plans for them to be sent to New York to face charges related to a narco-terrorism conspiracy, as indicated by an indictment released by the Justice Department. A photo of Maduro was shared, depicting him in a gray sweatsuit, protective headphones, and blindfolded.
Escalating Tensions with Venezuela
This operation marked a significant escalation following numerous strikes by U.S. military forces targeting alleged drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since early September, resulting in over 35 strikes and at least 115 casualties. Just prior to the crucial operation, Trump announced a U.S. drone strike at a location used by Venezuelan drug cartels, which represented the first known direct U.S. operation on Venezuelan soil during this campaign.
Future of U.S. Involvement in Venezuela
In his remarks, Trump suggested that following Maduro's capture, a team of U.S. officials would manage Venezuela's affairs. The president hinted at the possibility of a continuing U.S. military presence, stating, "We’re not afraid of boots on the ground if we have to." He affirmed the commitment to ensuring proper governance in Venezuela until a new leadership structure is established.
