US Special Forces captured Nicolas Maduro
General Don Keen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, together with President Donald Trump, provided information about the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at a press conference. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The operation reportedly took place during the night between January 2 and January 3. According to Don Keen, preparations for this operation began a month earlier.
Initially, intelligence services gathered information about Maduro's residence, habits, and security measures. Data obtained via satellite and drones was combined with information from internal sources in Venezuela.
Based on the gathered information, a replica of Maduro's headquarters was constructed, and training exercises for the capture were conducted. The start of the operation was slightly delayed due to weather conditions.
On the night of January 3, after the sky was covered with clouds, the operation commenced by personal order of Trump. More than 150 military aircraft, including F-35 fighters and B-1 bombers, took off from 20 military bases and air carriers.
Additionally, special forces headed towards Caracas by helicopters. As the helicopters approached Caracas, Venezuelan air defense systems were neutralized.
The capture team stormed Maduro's headquarters. The special forces captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores while they were asleep in their bedroom.
There was a shootout during the operation, but no casualties were reported among the American soldiers. The detainees were transported by helicopter to a US military ship.
Trump confirmed that Maduro and Flores were brought from the Guantanamo base to New York. Their trial will be held in New York.
According to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, Nicolas Maduro is charged with narcoterrorism, cocaine smuggling, and illegal arms possession. Trump declared the operation successful and emphasized US investment to restore Venezuela's economic infrastructure.
He also stated that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the welfare and independence of the Venezuelan people.
