The Capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Forces

In a carefully orchestrated operation, U.S. military personnel arrived at the Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro's home, located in downtown Caracas, during the early hours, just after 2 a.m. local time on Saturday. This mission came after extensive planning that included constructing a mock-up of his residence and studying his routine closely.

With the goal to extradite Maduro to the United States on accusations of narcoterrorism, President Trump and General Dan Caine, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, oversaw the execution plan. At precisely 10:46 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Trump authorized the mission, wishing the deployed units luck, as shared by Caine during a news briefing at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

Through the night, aircraft set off from 20 different bases across the Western Hemisphere as part of an operation dubbed 'Operation Absolute Resolve.' The engagement deployed over 150 aerial vehicles, as highlighted by Caine.

Helicopters spearheaded the assault, carrying an extraction team that included law enforcement, flying low over water at just 100 feet, according to Caine's account. The mission was safeguarded by a variety of aircraft such as drones, bombers, and fighter jets, which neutralized Venezuela's air defenses to secure the helicopters' passage into key areas near Caracas.

Trump noted that strategic actions caused a blackout in Caracas, facilitating the operation.

As explained by Caine, when the task force crossed a critical mountainous area, their stealth was confirmed, maintaining the advantage of surprise.

Upon arriving at the stronghold, the choppers took gunfire but continued functioning effectively. 'The exchange of gunfire was intense,' commented Trump.

U.S. military personnel, alongside FBI agents, successfully breached the premises, leading to the capture of Maduro and his spouse, as Caine described.

Trump shared that during the arrest, Maduro attempted to flee to a fortified area, but was thwarted by the rapid response of the forces. 'He was as quick as he could be to reach a heavily reinforced door but failed to secure it,' elaborated Trump.

Even if Maduro had managed to reach safety, Trump remarked, the team was prepared to compromise the door swiftly.

Following the apprehension, the helicopters returned for extraction, ensuring the Maduro couple's secure withdrawal under the cover of fighter jets and drones. Caine detailed that the exit involved several defensive maneuvers.

Successful extraction was confirmed as the operation forces, with their captives on board, flew back over international waters by 3:29 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, reported Caine.

The planning phase for the mission stretches back months, with U.S. intelligence agencies tasked with decoding Maduro's lifestyle including his movements, dietary habits, attire, and even his pets, Caine further explained.

Despite being operationally ready since December, the mission's exact timing depended on ensuring surprise and reducing civilian danger, with weather conditions critical, Caine added.

Caine concluded, 'Last night's weather conditions barely cooperated, but elite aviators managed to navigate through challenging terrains and claustrophobic skies.'