Nicolás Maduro’s loss of control over Venezuelan power came at the hands of American forces, and President Trump detailed the dramatic operation that led to this significant capture. From his perch at Mar-a-Lago, Trump described how U.S. forces faced setbacks due to inclement weather in their initial attempts to apprehend the ousted president. “We waited four days. We were going to do this, four days ago, three days ago, two days ago,” Trump recounted. Finally, the conditions cleared, allowing the operation to proceed.
Trump characterized Maduro’s stronghold as heavily fortified. “He was in a house that was more like a fortress than a house,” Trump stated, highlighting the steel doors and reinforced safety areas within the structure. Maduro’s greatest miscalculation was his failure to secure his escape routes. Trump explained, “He was trying to get into a safe place… but he got bum rushed so fast that he didn’t get into that.” The precision of the mission left little room for error, suggesting that U.S. forces were prepared for any obstacle.
Trump emphasized the meticulous planning behind the operation. According to him, planning included the construction of a replica house designed to mirror Maduro’s stronghold, allowing forces to practice every detail before the actual mission. “Everything was pinpoint… everything they practiced,” Trump asserted. This preparation was crucial for such a high-stakes operation that required stealth and speed.
In the midst of the operation, Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that members of the Army’s Delta Force were instrumental in Maduro’s capture. Caine explained that Maduro was in a desperate attempt to reach his fortified safe area when American forces intervened. The operation, termed Operation Absolute Resolve, mobilized over 150 aircraft from 20 bases across the Western Hemisphere. This level of commitment underscored not only the resources allocated but also the strategic importance placed on apprehending the Venezuelan leader.
According to Caine, ground-level security was paramount. The helicopters moved into Venezuela at a low altitude, just above the water, to ensure they went unnoticed until the last possible moment. Caine reported that drones and fighter jets played a critical role in neutralizing any air defenses, paving a secure passage for the extraction team. Trump noted the operational success in avoiding detection, claiming, “Caracas was blacked out due to a certain experience that we have.” The sophistication of the operation demonstrated a carefully calculated approach to mitigate risks.
Despite the well-executed plan, resistance was encountered as U.S. forces attempted to withdraw with Maduro. Caine revealed, “There were multiple self-defense engagements as the force began to withdraw,” signifying that even in triumph, danger was ever-present. While U.S. aircraft sustained damage and several American personnel were injured, all returned safely, a small relief in a high-stakes scenario. However, the cost of the operation was not without casualties on the Venezuelan side, with reports indicating a significant number of local fatalities.
This operation marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Venezuelan relations and speaks to the broader dynamics of power in the region. Trump’s emphasis on precision and preparedness reveals the lengths to which American forces are willing to go to counter adversaries. The details of the operation reflect an ongoing commitment to national security interests, particularly in regions where traditional alliances are often fraught with tension.
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