Seven US Troops Injured in Venezuela Raid

Seven US service members were injured during a covert raid to apprehend Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela over the weekend. According to defense officials, five of the wounded troops have already returned to duty, while two others remain in recovery. The operation, designated as 'Absolute Resolve,' represented a significant military engagement involving nearly 200 US personnel operating in downtown Caracas.

President Donald Trump confirmed that all injured service members were in 'good shape' and emphasized that no US troops were killed during the mission. Despite the complexity of the operation, no equipment was lost, though a helicopter did take a hit and remained operational. Officials characterized the mission as 'extremely complex and grueling,' noting that the relatively few injuries serve as a testament to the expertise of US joint warriors.

Defense officials provided an update on Tuesday regarding the condition of the seven US troops injured during the Venezuela raid. Five of the service members have already returned to duty, while two are still recovering from their injuries. Officials stated that the wounded personnel are 'receiving excellent medical care and are well on their way to recovery.'

The injuries occurred during the operation to apprehend Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Trump initially revealed on Saturday morning that 'a couple of guys were hit' as US forces stormed the compound. He later confirmed that all injured service members were in 'good shape' and that no troops were killed in the operation.

The specific nature of the injuries sustained by the troops remains unclear. Despite the uncertainty regarding how they were hurt, officials emphasized that the low casualty count on such a complex mission demonstrates the high level of skill possessed by US forces.

The covert raid, officially named Operation Absolute Resolve, followed months of extensive planning and rehearsal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that nearly 200 US personnel entered 'downtown Caracas' as part of the mission. The planning phase included the construction of a replica of Maduro's compound to prepare the apprehension teams.

President Trump described the target facility as a 'highly guarded' building, likening it to a 'fortress.' The operation began late Friday night and continued for several hours into Saturday morning. American forces stormed the compound under heavy fire, successfully executing the mission despite the dangerous conditions.

The tactical execution involved a coordinated air and ground assault. Low-flying helicopters transported apprehension teams, which included law enforcement officers and special operations forces, into position. Simultaneously, dozens of other aircraft cleared a path for the ground teams.

The operation relied on a complex air campaign to support the ground teams entering Caracas. A wide array of aircraft participated in the raid, ranging from fighter jets and bombers to drones. These aircraft were tasked with striking Venezuela's air defenses to ensure safe passage for the helicopters transporting the apprehension teams.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, highlighted the risks faced by aircrews during the mission. He noted that those flying over Caracas 'were willing to give their lives for those on the ground and in the helicopters.' This air support was critical in allowing the ground forces to breach the heavily guarded compound.

While the ground forces came under heavy fire, the air component successfully neutralized threats. Despite the intensity of the engagement, the only reported equipment damage was to a single helicopter, which remained operational despite taking a hit.

President Donald Trump was the first to publicly acknowledge the operation, posting updates on Saturday morning shortly after the raid concluded. He provided initial details about the injuries and the success of the mission, later reiterating that no US personnel were lost.

A defense official offered high praise for the military personnel involved in the raid. 'The fact that this extremely complex and grueling mission was successfully executed with so few injuries is a testament to the expertise of our joint warriors,' the official said. This sentiment reflects the administration's view of the operation as a successful strategic action.

The operation targeted Nicolás Maduro specifically, aiming to apprehend the former Venezuelan president. The successful extraction of US forces, despite the heavy fire and complex urban environment, is being cited as evidence of superior operational planning and execution.