In a move that stunned the world, the United States bombed Venezuela and abducted President Nicolas Maduro amid condemnation and plaudits.
In a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, US President Donald Trump praised the operation to seize Maduro as one of the “most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.” Al Jazeera
This operation was the riskiest and most high-profile military mission sanctioned by Washington since the US Navy SEALs’ raid that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in 2011. Al Jazeera
The news of the 63-year-old Maduro being abducted quickly dominated the global news cycle. Al Jazeera
Background and Pre-Operation Buildup
Before the attack, months of escalating tensions existed between the Trump administration and Maduro’s government over allegations of Venezuela’s role in international drug trafficking. The US had previously:
- Increased military presence in the Caribbean,
- Conducted missile strikes against suspected drug-smuggling targets,
- Offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest.
These actions raised questions about legality and sovereignty, with the United Nations and international legal experts criticizing the strikes and buildup. Al Jazeera
How Was Maduro Captured?
The operation, codenamed “Absolute Resolve,” was reportedly rehearsed for months by US military and intelligence forces. Al Jazeera
At approximately 11:46 pm local time on Friday (03:46 GMT Saturday), President Trump authorized the mission. Al Jazeera
US forces disabled Venezuela’s air defence systems in a series of strikes that plunged parts of Caracas into darkness, Trump said, as American forces established dominance over the capital. Al Jazeera
A large joint military and law enforcement raid unfolded within roughly 30 minutes. Al Jazeera
At 2:01 am, helicopters carrying special forces landed near Maduro’s compound in Caracas. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody without an official report on whether heavy fighting occurred during the ground extraction. Al Jazeera
Transfer to US Territory
At 4:29 am, just over two and a half hours after the operation began, Maduro was placed on a US aircraft carrier en route to New York. Al Jazeera
President Trump later shared a photograph on social media showing Maduro blindfolded and wearing a grey tracksuit after departure from the USS Iwo Jima. Al Jazeera
US forces escorted Maduro to Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York at approximately 4:30 pm (21:30 GMT). Al Jazeera
Casualties and Local Impact
The US strikes targeted Caracas and surrounding states including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Al Jazeera
A local resident, Linda Unamumo, described the attacks as devastating, noting that an explosion destroyed part of her home and forced her and her family to flee in fear. Al Jazeera
At the time of reporting, Venezuelan officials had not released a complete casualty count, but a source speaking anonymously to The New York Times said at least 40 people were killed in the attacks. Al Jazeera
Trump, speaking about US casualties, suggested that some US personnel were injured but claimed none were killed. Al Jazeera
What’s Next for Venezuela?
At the press conference, Trump stated the US would “run” Venezuela until a new leadership transition occurred — a comment that sparked serious controversy internationally. Al Jazeera
He did not rule out deploying US troops in the future, saying the US was “not afraid of boots on the ground if we have to.” Al Jazeera
Trump also expressed that he would not work with Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, implying she lacked sufficient internal support. Al Jazeera
Constitutional Succession in Caracas
In Caracas, Venezuela’s Supreme Court’s Constitutional Chamber ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to serve as acting president following the forced absence of Maduro. The court said Rodríguez would assume office to “guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defence of the Nation.” Al Jazeera
The court also pledged to work on a legal framework to ensure ongoing governance despite Maduro’s absence. Al Jazeera
Trump indicated that the US would not occupy Venezuela provided Rodríguez cooperated with US goals. Al Jazeera
This article as published provides the chronology of the military operation, the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the transfer to US jurisdiction, and the initial statements on governance transition from both the US and Venezuela’s Supreme Court. Al Jazeera
Additional YouTube Videos (not auto-embedded)
• Tensions remain high after US military strikes & Maduro abduction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouX-6BkBoOQ (analysis and reaction)
• Maduro’s convoy leaving after capture (national news)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvnoq3vYiZQ
• Venezuela U.S. attack & capture report from Caracas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCsiN4uh0kk
• US capture of Venezuelan President – historical / reaction content
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4NEQqiJDss
• Maduro’s wife’s injuries and US attack analysis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tKJij8aqQo
