US Military Captures Nicolás Maduro in 'Absolute Resolve' Raid

The United States military has conducted a massive operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The mission, designated 'Absolute Resolve,' involved more than 150 aircraft and forces from across the US military.

General Dan Caine detailed the operation, which required months of planning and rehearsal. US forces launched from 20 bases late Friday night, striking air defenses and flying low-level extraction teams into Caracas. Maduro and his wife were apprehended at their compound and flown to the USS Iwo Jima. President Donald Trump announced plans for the US to oversee the country's future.

The US military staged an audacious operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The top US general stated that more than 150 aircraft participated in the mission, including fighter jets, bombers, and helicopters.

Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the mission as 'audacious' and noted it required months of meticulous planning and rehearsal. US intelligence agencies spent months locating Maduro and mapping out his daily patterns. The planning process included building a replica of Maduro's compound, an approach previously used for the 2011 Osama bin Laden raid.

President Donald Trump ordered the operation to proceed shortly before 11 p.m. ET on Friday night, following a wait for favorable weather conditions.

During the 'darkest hours' of the night, aircraft launched from 20 different bases on land and sea across the Western Hemisphere. Helicopters carrying apprehension teams, including law enforcement officers and special operations forces, flew approximately 100 feet above the water to approach Venezuelan shores.

The American aircraft included a mix of F-35 and F-22 stealth fighter jets, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18 electronic attack jets, E-2 airborne early warning planes, B-1 bombers, and numerous drones. As the forces approached Caracas, aircraft struck Venezuela's air defenses to ensure a safe passageway for the low-flying helicopters.

President Trump noted that the military used 'certain expertise' to turn off the lights, aiding the infiltration. Despite the operation being telegraphed in advance, US strikes ensured the forces maintained the element of surprise.

The helicopters arrived at Maduro's compound shortly after 1 a.m. ET, where they met with heavy fire. The apprehension force stormed the facility and took the Venezuelan president and his wife into custody. According to President Trump, they attempted to enter a steel safe room but were unable to get the door closed.

American forces withdrew from the country with fighters and drones covering the exfiltration. By roughly 3:30 a.m. ET, US forces were over the water. Maduro and his wife were flown to the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima. A photo published by Trump showed the president aboard the ship wearing a blindfold and ear protection.

US officials reported no equipment or troop losses, though Trump noted that 'a couple of guys were hit' and a helicopter was hit 'pretty hard' but remained flyable.

The operation marks a significant escalation in US-Venezuela relations. President Trump stated that the US plans to 'run the country' until it can ensure a safe transition of power. He also encouraged American oil companies to become involved in the Venezuelan oil industry.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that Maduro has been indicted in the Southern District of New York and charged with various drug-related offenses. The US had previously established a significant military presence in the Caribbean, accusing Venezuela's leadership of facilitating drug trafficking, claims Maduro rejected.