The Capture of Nicolás Maduro: From Caracas to New York
The U.S. says its military operation to capture Venezuela's president took months of planning, culminating in a surprising early-morning assault known as Operation Absolute Resolve that lasted about 150 minutes.
The attack on Caracas marked an unprecedented event in modern politics, leading to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, who were captured while trying to escape into a fortified safe room in the military complex at Fuerte Tiuna. Both are now facing narcoterrorism charges.
As the sun rose over Caracas, the scope of the military operation became clear, with images showing the aftermath: bombed buildings and charred vehicles in the military facility housing top government officials.
Explosions in the early morning hours of Saturday disrupted power in Caracas, aiming to disable Mexico's air defenses and facilitate the landing of U.S. helicopters. Reports indicated intense gunfire as military helicopters approached their target.
Troops from the U.S. Army's Delta Force were quick to breach the compound, resulting in a swift surrender from the Maduros. Trump later revealed that they attempted to reach a steel door leading to an escape route but failed to close it due to the rapid intrusion of U.S. forces.
The operation successfully led to the transport of Nicolás Maduro and his wife 2,100 miles to New York City, where they are currently detained facing serious charges linked to organized drug trafficking.
Current charges against the Maduros include conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism, possession of weapons, and importing cocaine into the United States. Attorney General Pam Bondi declared that they would soon face justice in an American court.
