Milestone Operation in Venezuela: The Capture of Maduro

The sudden military operation undertaken by the United States in Venezuela has left the world in disbelief. Lasting only about 140 minutes, this unexpected raid led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were taken to New York to face narcotics charges. This event marks a rare occurrence in the 21st century for the region, with the last similar U.S. action in Latin America dating back to 1989 when they invaded Panama to capture Manuel Noriega.

1. The Military Operation

The U.S. military mission, though brief, was meticulously planned for months. Gathering intelligence was crucial for pinpointing Maduro’s movements, lifestyle, and daily routines. General Dan Caine, chief of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, shared that this operation involved an extensive buildup of military forces in the Caribbean, including a massive aircraft carrier and over 15,000 troops since September.

President Donald Trump stated that this deployment was intended to disrupt drug trafficking operations. In the following weeks leading up to the operation, at least 115 casualties were reported following U.S. airstrikes targeting vessels accused of drug trafficking.

On the evening before the operation, Trump authorized “Operation Absolute Resolution,” which began in Caracas with power outages and assaults on Venezuelan air defenses involving around 150 U.S. aircraft. Key targets included the La Carlota airbase, La Guaira port, Fort Tiuna, and Higuerote airport, allowing U.S. military helicopters to enter Caracas with minimal resistance to arrest Maduro.

By 2:00 a.m., U.S. forces infiltrated the complex where Maduro was staying. Despite attempting to hide with his wife, they were apprehended just moments before he could secure an exit. The operation spanned approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, with preliminary reports indicating possible casualties, though official confirmations on injuries or fatalities remain unclear.

2. Maduro’s Capture

Upon arrest, the Venezuelan presidential couple was flown via helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship stationed in the Caribbean. Photos were later released by Trump showing Maduro handcuffed and blindfolded, dressed in gray sportswear and holding a plastic bottle, flanked by what appeared to be a DEA agent. This shocking event saw the leader, who had ruled since 2013 and had long defied U.S. efforts to unseat him, now in the hands of those he claimed were attempting to overthrow him.

Maduro’s political standing had weakened substantially due to Trump’s regime and his increasing international isolation following the disputed elections in 2024. That same day, he was transported to New York to face charges he previously denounced as fictitious, including conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S.

3. Trump’s Press Conference

During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump outlined the U.S. government’s intentions with Venezuela, emphasizing control over its oil resources. He stated that the U.S. intentions would last until a “safe, suitable, and sensible transition” takes place, yet refrained from providing a timeline or specific plans for this transition. He indicated that American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, might assume control during this period.

Trump appeared skeptical regarding a quick leadership transfer to opposition leader María Corina Machado, who received the Nobel Peace Prize last year. He suggested that her capability to lead was hindered due to a lack of respect within the country, and instead expressed his desire for U.S. oil companies to manage Venezuela’s oil operations and rebuild the energy infrastructure.

In a response to inquiries regarding potential future military action, Trump stated that he would not hesitate to deploy more troops if necessary, a notable shift from his earlier promises to avoid overseas military interventions. This new chapter raises questions about the future of U.S.-Venezuelan relations, signaling a return to what many thought was a bygone era of direct intervention.

Conclusion

The recent military operation in Venezuela has completely altered the political landscape and reignited debates over U.S. interventionism. With Maduro under arrest and facing serious charges, the implications for Venezuela and its citizens remain profound and uncertain.

• The U.S. military operation captured President Maduro in a brief, strategic raid.
• The operation was meticulously planned and involved significant U.S. military resources.
• Trump announced that the U.S. would govern Venezuela until a stable transition occurs.
• The world watches closely as U.S.-Venezuelan relations take a new turn.