Spies, Drones, and Blowtorches: How the US Captured Maduro
For months, US intelligence operatives had been meticulously tracking Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. A small team, including an insider from the Venezuelan government, documented his every move—where he slept, what he consumed, his attire, and even details about “his pets.” In early December, this surveillance culminated in a mission known as “Operation Absolute Resolve.”
The Mission: Operation Absolute Resolve
This ambitious plan was the product of detailed preparation and rehearsals. Elite US forces even constructed a full-sized replica of Maduro’s Caracas safe house to practice entry tactics. The operation marked a significant military intervention in Latin America, echoing actions not seen since the Cold War, all while Congress remained oblivious to the details.
– Timing was critical: Military officials aimed to launch the operation under optimal conditions to ensure maximum surprise. A planned mission was nearly activated four days earlier, but President Trump chose to delay for improved weather.
General Dan Caine, the highest-ranking military officer in the nation, explained: “Over the weeks through Christmas and New Year, the men and women of the United States military sat ready, patiently waiting for the right triggers to be met.”
The Order to Strike
The green light for the mission came at precisely 22:46 EST on a Friday night. Trump later recounted, “We were going to do this four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, and then all of a sudden it opened up. And we said: go.” This timing provided the military with most of the night to operate covertly.
What transpired over the next two hours and twenty minutes was an unprecedented military operation that stunned observers both in Washington and globally. The aftermath elicited swift condemnation from various regional leaders, with Brazil’s President Lula da Silva stating the violent capture set “yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the international community.”
Trump’s Location During the Operation
Interestingly, Trump didn’t monitor the mission from the White House; instead, he was in Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by advisors, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump described the event as “incredible” and likened watching it to viewing a television show filled with “speed and violence.”
Military Build-Up and Execution
In recent months, thousands of US troops had deployed to the region, representing the largest military buildup in decades. The administration accused Maduro of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. In total, over 150 aircraft—comprising bombers, fighter jets, and reconnaissance planes—were utilized during the operation, underscoring its complexity.
– Initial Strikes: Explosions resonated across Caracas around 02:00 local time, shaking windows and prompting widespread panic. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene with aircraft surging through the skies as plumes of smoke rose over key locations.
It later emerged that the operation targeted several strategic sites, including air defense systems, military complexes, and other key installations. Trump indicated that power was cut in Caracas prior to the operation, saying, “The lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have.”
The Infiltration of Maduro’s Compound
As US forces filled the city, members of the elite Delta Force—armed and carrying blowtorches for potential barricades—quickly approached Maduro’s location. General Caine confirmed their arrival coincided with the initiation of air strikes. Trump described the safe house as a fortified military stronghold and claimed, “They were in a ready position waiting for us. They knew we were coming.”
Once on the ground, troops faced resistance, but executed the operation with speed and precision, breaching security measures like reinforced steel doors. Meanwhile, Rubio began notifying lawmakers about the unfolding events, a choice that drew ire from several congressional members, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who criticized the lack of authorization.
The Capture and Aftermath
Inside Maduro’s compound, reports indicate that he attempted to escape to a secure area but was ultimately intercepted. Trump stated, “He was trying to get to a safe place, which wasn’t safe.” While a few US personnel sustained injuries, no troops were reported killed.
In a statement following the operation, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino mentioned that a “large part” of Maduro’s security team and several civilians were killed. The US had previously offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest.
By around 04:20 local time on Saturday, US helicopters exited Venezuelan airspace with Maduro and his wife, now in the custody of the Justice Department and en route to New York, where they are expected to face criminal charges. Shortly thereafter, Trump announced the capture, claiming, “Maduro and his wife will soon face the full might of American justice.”
Conclusion: A Defining Moment
The operation to capture Maduro could leave a lasting imprint on Trump’s legacy and redefine America’s role in global politics. As reactions unfold, the world watches closely, weighing the implications of this dramatic military intervention.