At 10:46pm ET on Friday night, President Trump authorized a military operation in Venezuela, accompanied by the message: “Good luck and godspeed.” The operation involved approximately 150 aircraft and culminated in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was later pictured blindfolded aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
A Swift and Decisive Action
The raid targeted Maduro’s fortified compound, with U.S. helicopters carrying an “extraction force” of special forces and FBI agents flying as low as 100 feet above the Caribbean Sea. Air defense systems were neutralized en route, and the U.S. reportedly cut power to the area, creating darkness. While one helicopter sustained damage, it remained operational, allowing U.S. forces to reach the compound and engage in gunfire.
According to President Trump, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, attempted to reach a steel-reinforced safe room but were apprehended. The extraction force then withdrew, facing “multiple self defense engagements” as they departed. No U.S. troops were killed, though “a few” were wounded. The number of Venezuelan casualties remains unknown.
Months of Planning and Preparation
The operation was the result of months of planning, beginning with CIA groundwork laid in Venezuela and advocacy from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. A CIA team tracked Maduro’s movements and habits as early as August, gaining detailed intelligence on his daily life – “where he lived, where he traveled, what he ate, what he wore… his pets,” according to Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.
The operation was nearly delayed four days prior due to weather conditions. Prior to this direct action, the U.S. had increased a bounty for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million and deployed a significant military presence to the region, including warships, spy planes, and fighter jets.
The Future of Venezuela Remains Uncertain
While Maduro is in U.S. custody, the future governance of Venezuela remains unclear. President Trump stated the U.S. would be “running” the country, but the specifics of this arrangement are yet to be determined. Discussions have taken place with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who has publicly maintained that Maduro remains the legitimate president. The U.S. military will “remain postured” for further action if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted this military action?
The plan for regime change “grew organically” over nearly a year, beginning with a decision regarding Chevron’s access to Venezuelan oil, according to a U.S. official. Trump had previously informed Maduro he wanted him to leave office.
Who was involved in the operation?
The operation involved approximately 150 aircraft and an “extraction force” of U.S. special forces and FBI agents. Key figures monitoring the operation included President Trump, Gen. Dan Caine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
What is the current status of Nicolás Maduro?
Nicolás Maduro is currently in U.S. custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima, having been captured during the raid on his compound. President Trump stated Maduro will “face trial and American justice.”
Given the swiftness of the operation and the uncertainty surrounding the transition of power, what impact will this have on the Venezuelan people?
