The U.S. military's operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro took months of planning, culminating in a swift assault known as 'Operation Absolute Resolve' that lasted only 150 minutes.
In a surprise early-morning attack on Saturday, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested as they attempted to escape into a fortified safe room within Fuerte Tiuna, a military complex in Caracas. They are currently detained in New York and face charges of narco-terrorism.
As dawn broke, scenes from the military operation became evident, showcasing bombed buildings and smoldering vehicles. The U.S. military had conducted pre-emptive strikes the night before, cutting power to Caracas to disable Venezuelan air defenses and facilitate the operation.
During the assault, U.S. helicopters experienced gunfire but successfully reached their target. Reports confirmed that the elite Delta Force troops successfully breached the compound at 02:01 local time, capturing the Maduros swiftly, without resistance or firefight.
They were transferred to the USS Iwo Jima and photographed in handcuffs, a powerful symbol of their capture. Eventually, the couple was flown to New York City, where they now face substantial drug and weapons charges.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, 'They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.' This event not only marks a significant geopolitical moment but also raises numerous questions about the future of Venezuela and U.S. foreign policy.
