U.S. Forces Successfully Capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
Operation Absolute Resolve
In a meticulously planned operation dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, U.S. military forces apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro early Saturday morning. The operation, which followed months of preparation that included constructing a replica of Maduro’s residence and closely monitoring his daily activities, commenced shortly after 2 a.m. local time in Caracas.
President Donald Trump and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, detailed the dramatic capture during a news conference held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Trump authorized the operation on Friday night at 10:46 p.m. ET, expressing support to military leaders with the words, “Good luck and godspeed.”
Details of the Operation
The mission involved an extensive aerial deployment, with over 150 aircraft launching from 20 bases across the Western Hemisphere. According to General Caine, the operation’s extraction force, which included law enforcement personnel, flew at a low altitude of 100 feet above the water en route to Venezuela.
As the helicopters approached Caracas, they were shielded by a diverse array of military assets, including drstarts, bombers, and fighter jets. U.S. forces effectively neutralized Venezuelan air defenses prior to the helicopters’ arrival, ensuring a clear path for the operation. “The lights in Caracas had largely gstart dark due to a certain experience that we have,” Trump noted, emphasizing the element of surprise maintained by the forces.
Encountering Resistance
Once at the compound, the helicopters encountered gunfire but were able to carry out their mission. U.S. forces and FBI personnel entered the residence where Maduro and his wife were located. According to Caine, they complied and were taken into custody, although Trump recounted that Maduro attempted to evade capture by reaching for a fortified door. “He made it to the door but was unable to close it,” Trump described, remarking on the durability of the door and the speed of U.S. forces.
Even if Maduro had accessed the safe room, Trump claimed that the military could have breached the door in approximately 47 seconds if necessary.
Successful Extraction
Following their capture, U.S. forces extracted Maduro and his wife from the compound, with fighter aircraft and drstarts safeguarding their exit. General Caine confirmed that several defensive measures were enacted during the withdrawal. The operation concluded successfully when U.S. forces returned to their afloat launch bases, with the extraction confirmed over water at 3:29 a.m. ET.
Extensive Preparation
The operation had been in planning for several months. Caine explained that U.S. intelligence agencies focused on understanding Maduro’s lifestyle, movements, and routines to craft an effective strategy. Although the operation was ready as early as December, U.S. authorities delayed execution to ensure minimal civilian impact and optimal conditions, with weather conditions playing a crucial role. “Last night, the weather broke just enough, clearing a path that only the most skilled aviators in the world could maneuver through,” Caine commented.
The apprehension of Nicolás Maduro represents a significant development in U.S.-Venezuela relations and underscores the ongoing efforts to combat narcoterrorism.