For months, US spies had been meticulously monitoring Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, tracking every detail of his movements, from his sleeping arrangements to what he ate. This intelligence gathering culminated in Operation Absolute Resolve, a highly detailed mission designed to capture Maduro. The operation was the result of months of planning, including creating a full-size replica of Maduro’s safe house in Caracas for rehearsals. This unprecedented military intervention was carried out with the element of surprise in mind, with President Trump approving the mission just before midnight on Friday.
A Historic US Military Operation
Operation Absolute Resolve marked a major escalation in US military presence in Latin America, reminiscent of Cold War-era interventions. The mission, which lasted two hours and twenty minutes, involved a complex operation by air, land, and sea, using over 150 aircraft, including bombers, fighter jets, and reconnaissance planes. The US military sought to maximize the element of surprise, waiting for optimal weather conditions and a suitable moment for action. General Dan Caine, the highest-ranking US military officer, described the operation as “extremely complex” and lauded the speed and precision of the mission.
International Reactions and Condemnations
The capture of Maduro sparked condemnation from several regional powers. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva decried the violent action, warning that it set an “extremely dangerous precedent” for international relations. Russia and China both expressed outrage, with Russia calling the intervention an “act of armed aggression” and China accusing the US of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty.
However, US allies responded more cautiously, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declaring that Maduro was an “illegitimate president” but calling for a peaceful transition of power. EU diplomats, including French President Macron, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of respecting the will of the Venezuelan people.
The Execution of the Operation
The mission began at 02:01 local time in Caracas with US forces launching precision strikes on key military locations, including Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base and La Carlota airfield. Witnesses in Caracas reported hearing loud explosions and seeing large plumes of smoke rising over the city as US aircraft flew overhead. Some of the strikes targeted Venezuela’s air defense systems, and it’s been reported that US forces also disabled the power grid in Caracas prior to the operation to ensure complete darkness during the mission.
As Delta Force troops infiltrated Maduro’s compound, they encountered resistance but moved swiftly to break into the heavily fortified building. According to President Trump, Maduro attempted to flee to a safe room, but was quickly apprehended before reaching it.
Trump’s Involvement and the Aftermath
Trump watched the mission unfold from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, flanked by advisers including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He described the operation as “incredible” and praised the troops’ efficiency. After the capture, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into US custody, with helicopters leaving Venezuela at 04:20 local time and heading to New York, where they are expected to face criminal charges.
Congressional and Legal Reactions
The mission raised concerns among US lawmakers, particularly Democratic leaders like Senator Chuck Schumer, who criticized the lack of congressional approval for such a high-stakes military action. However, Secretary Rubio defended the decision, saying that informing Congress beforehand would have endangered the operation due to security leaks.
What Happens Next for Venezuela?
The intervention has deepened the political and military crisis in Venezuela, and many are questioning the US’s long-term plans for the country. With Maduro’s capture, the US is positioning itself to play a central role in Venezuela’s future, including the restoration of the country’s oil infrastructure. Trump has stated that US oil companies will lead the charge to revive Venezuela’s declining energy sector.
As of now, Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has publicly resisted the idea that Maduro is no longer the legitimate leader, promising to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty. This intervention could have significant geopolitical ramifications, affecting US relations with Latin America and global powers.
Conclusion
The US military’s operation to capture Nicolás Maduro has been described as a historic and unprecedented intervention in Latin America. While it has sparked international outrage, it has also opened the door to a potential transformation in Venezuela’s future. As Maduro faces criminal charges in the US, the world watches to see what the next steps will be for both Venezuela and the broader geopolitical landscape.
For months, US spies had been monitoring Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro‘s every move, gathering information about his daily routines and security details. In early December, Operation Absolute Resolve was finalized, a high-stakes mission aimed at capturing Maduro. This operation, which involved months of meticulous planning, would ultimately be a dramatic intervention by the US military in Latin America, unprecedented since the Cold War.
The Execution of Operation Absolute Resolve
The operation involved a two-hour, twenty-minute mission by air, land, and sea that stunned the world. Over 150 aircraft, including bombers, fighter jets, and reconnaissance planes, were deployed. The US military waited for the optimal conditions to launch the mission, which involved high precision and complexity. According to General Dan Caine, the highest-ranking US military officer, the troops were ready and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
On Friday night, President Trump gave the final order to begin the mission, which occurred at 22:46 EDT. By midnight in Caracas, the operation was in full swing. Trump watched the mission unfold from his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, surrounded by his advisers. He later described the operation as “incredible” and expressed awe at the speed and violence of the mission.
International Reactions to the Strike
The US strike on Venezuela triggered swift condemnation from several international powers. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva called the violent capture of Venezuela’s leader an “extremely dangerous precedent” for the international community. Russia and China expressed their shock and condemnation, with Russia accusing the US of committing an “act of armed aggression.” Meanwhile, Latin American countries, including Colombia and Brazil, joined in denouncing the US actions.
On the other hand, US allies, such as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, had a more reserved response. The UK called Maduro an “illegitimate president” but also emphasized the importance of a peaceful transition of power. Similar statements were made by EU diplomats and French President Emmanuel Macron, who stressed the need for a government reflecting the will of the Venezuelan people.
The Details of the Mission
The mission targeted key locations in Caracas, including Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base and Port La Guaira, one of the main conduits to the Caribbean Sea. Explosions were heard around 02:00 local time, and plumes of smoke were seen rising over the city. Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs and seeing flashes from nearby detonations. A heavily armed US team, including members of Delta Force, infiltrated Maduro’s safe house.
When they arrived, the Venezuelan president attempted to flee to a safe room, but US forces breached the compound with precision and speed, capturing him. Trump confirmed that Maduro tried to reach a safe room, but he was unable to do so before being apprehended.
The Aftermath: What Happens to Maduro?
By 04:20 local time, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were flown out of Venezuela in US helicopters. They were in custody of the Department of Justice and headed toward New York to face criminal charges. The US previously offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture, and after the operation, Trump announced that Maduro and his wife would soon “face the full might of American justice.”
Trump’s Role in the Mission
Despite not being in the White House Situation Room, Trump closely followed the operation from his Florida residence. He described the mission as “amazing” and “incredible,” watching it unfold as if it were a television show. Trump’s advisers, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were present, and the mission unfolded swiftly after Trump’s final approval.
Future of Venezuela
The US military intervention in Venezuela has sparked serious international debates about sovereignty, power dynamics, and the role of military force in political transitions. Many wonder what the US plans to do next in Venezuela. Trump’s previous statements have suggested that US oil companies will play a major role in Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, aiming to fix what he described as the “broken” oil industry.
However, Venezuela’s vice president Delcy Rodríguez has remained defiant, reaffirming that Maduro is still the legitimate president. She has also demanded proof of life for both Maduro and Flores, urging the US to verify their well-being.
Conclusion
The US military intervention in Venezuela represents a major shift in US foreign policy, marked by the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, code-named Operation Absolute Resolve, is seen as one of the most significant military actions in the region since the Cold War. As the world reacts to the capture and the potential future of Venezuela, the situation remains fluid, with many questions about the legal and political implications of such an operation.
