UPDATE: In a stunning military operation, the US Delta Force successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro early this morning, at approximately 2 a.m. local time, in a raid on his fortified compound in Caracas. This operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, marks a significant escalation in US efforts to hold Maduro accountable for alleged narco-terrorism and corruption.
Reports indicate that a meticulously planned assault involved a coordinated effort by elite special operations forces, including Delta Force and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known for their exceptional insertion and extraction capabilities. President Donald Trump confirmed that the raid was executed by “the most highly trained soldiers in the world,” emphasizing the complexity and precision of the operation.
The US military’s aerial support included fighters and bombers, which provided crucial air cover during the raid. According to Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the team moved swiftly through the compound, apprehending Maduro and his wife before they could reach a secure location within the building. “We achieved total surprise,” Caine stated, highlighting the operation’s success.
This operation follows months of intelligence gathering and planning, as US agencies monitored Maduro’s daily routines, similar to tactics used in past operations, including the capture of Saddam Hussein and the elimination of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Despite the operation’s success, reports suggest that several American personnel sustained injuries, and one helicopter was hit during the extraction but remained operational.
The Trump administration has publicly condemned Maduro’s regime, accusing it of using oil revenues to fund criminal activities. Following the raid, Maduro and his wife face serious charges in New York related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. The president stated that the US would oversee Venezuela until a “safe, proper” election could be conducted.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this operation will impact the political landscape in Venezuela and the broader region. The US military has indicated that further operations could be undertaken if necessary, as President Trump reiterated his commitment to addressing the threats posed by Maduro’s government.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the implications of this raid continue to resonate globally.
