In brief
In a highly coordinated military operation, the U.S. successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Following months of surveillance and planning, Operation Absolute Resolve unfolded in early December amidst concerns of his government's illegitimacy and drug trafficking allegations. Despite the lack of congressional approval prior to the action, the operation was executed with military precision and extensive media coverage, leading to global condemnation from various governmental leaders.
For months, US spies had been monitoring Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's every move. A small team, including one source within the Venezuelan government, had been observing where the 63-year-old slept, what he ate, what he wore, and even, according to top military officials, 'his pets'.
Then, in early December, a planned mission dubbed 'Operation Absolute Resolve' was finalized. It was the culmination of extensive preparation and rehearsals, which included elite US troops creating an exact full-size replica of Maduro's Caracas safe house to practice their entry routes.
This plan, which marked an extraordinary US military intervention in Latin America reminiscent of the Cold War era, was closely guarded. Congress was not informed ahead of time. With the precise details set, military officials waited for the optimal conditions to launch the operation. They aimed to maximize the element of surprise.
On December 30, the order from President Trump to begin the mission came late in the evening. Good luck and Godspeed, he told military leaders before the overnight raid commenced.
The operation involved over 150 aircraft and was executed with military precision. Multiple explosions rocked Caracas around 2:00 AM local time, leaving residents startled and confused. Videos circulating on social media showed aircraft in the skies and the aftermath of explosions across the city.
US forces, including elite Delta Force personnel, made their way into Maduro's heavily fortified compound, aiming to apprehend the Venezuelan president. Despite facing gunfire upon arrival, the troops successfully breached security measures, capturing Maduro mere moments after the airstrikes began.
Trump announced Maduro's capture and stated that he would soon face justice in the United States. However, the decision to commence military action without congressional authorization has raised significant controversy and prompted criticism from lawmakers.
While the physical capture of Maduro has been achieved, the international ramifications of Operation Absolute Resolve remain to be seen, as regional leaders and political analysts grapple with the implications of the U.S. military's return to such a direct interventionist role on the global stage.
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