US President Donald Trump announced that US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores during an overnight military operation in Caracas.
The operation, named Operation Absolute Resolve, involved special operations forces extracting Maduro from a heavily fortified position. Maduro and his wife were taken to a US warship and will face charges in New York for narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Trump stated the mission was conducted with law enforcement and resulted in no US casualties. The operation included over 150 aircraft and coordinated strikes on Venezuelan military sites.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described it as an example of American military strength. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine highlighted the complexity involving air, land, and sea elements.
The action follows months of escalating pressure, including strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking and designation of Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization. Trump indicated the US will oversee Venezuela during a transition period.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez appeared willing to cooperate with the US. The capture marks a significant development in US-Venezuela relations strained since the Chavez era.
Trump: "A successful large-scale operation was carried out."
Caine: "This was a bold operation only the US could execute."
Hegseth: "It showcased the courage of American fighters."
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