Damage Extends Beyond Military Base in Venezuela Following US Strikes, Airport Also Hit

Recently released satellite images from US airstrikes aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro reveal extended damage beyond a significant Venezuelan military installation.

The satellite shot, captured by Planet Labs PBC on Saturday and shared with Business Insider, highlights destruction at Higuerote Airport, situated on the northern Venezuelan coastline, not far from Caracas.

Visible on the image are several craters, one situated near the runway's eastern tip and another close to a group of buildings on the apron, illustrating the extent of the impact.

Reports circulated on social media show explosions and fires at the Higuerote Airport during Operation Absolute Resolve, a surprise maneuver that began late Friday and extended into the early hours of Saturday.

Following the strikes, images depict tarmac debris, remnants of a possible small aircraft, and what appears to be a BUK surface-to-air missile system, originally developed by the Soviet Union.

Venezuela's air defense primarily uses Russian equipment, which was targeted by US fighters, bombers, radar planes, and drones to clear the way for helicopters involved in capturing Maduro and his spouse.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth commented on the ineffectiveness of Russian defenses during a speech at Virginia's Newport News Shipyard: 'Those Russian systems didn’t perform as expected, did they?'

The US spatial intelligence corporation Vantor also provided satellite images depicting significant harm to Fuerte Tiuna in Caracas, including deteriorated buildings and destroyed equipment at this key military site.

Insights from the Institute for the Study of War indicated that US forces targeted additional Venezuelan infrastructures like ports, telecoms, and airbases around Caracas.

Business Insider was unable to get comments from the Pentagon or the White House regarding details of Operation Absolute Resolve's targets.

In the extensive mission involving over 150 aircraft, the US built a complete replica of Maduro's home for rehearsals, supported by detailed intelligence of his whereabouts and lifestyle.

This operation was the apex of mounting friction between the Trump administration and Maduro, whom the US accused of drug trafficking and other crimes. Exiled, Maduro now faces narco-terrorism charges in New York, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Over recent months, the US military has fortified its Caribbean presence, unveiling an array of cruisers, destroyers, advanced fighter jets, and thousands of personnel.

Since September, the US has executed numerous airstrikes on drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, resulting in over 100 deaths and sparking criticism from legal observers and lawmakers.

The future duration of this US military presence in the region remains uncertain. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump issued cautions about potential steps towards Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico, indicating more military activity could follow. He has also threatened continued strikes if Venezuelan cooperation fails.