In a stunning and meticulously planned military operation, the United States successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to fresh details that have now emerged. The mission, described as one of the most complex American operations in recent memory, culminated in the early hours of a January morning, marking a dramatic escalation in the long-standing political crisis.
The Midnight Raid: A Swift and Secretive Strike
At approximately 2:01 a.m. local time, a formidable armada of nearly 150 American fighter jets, surveillance drones, and helicopters crossed into Venezuelan airspace. Their target was the presidential compound in Caracas. Operating under a shroud of extreme secrecy, the aircraft advanced with precision, their movements coordinated with intelligence from CIA operatives on the ground who provided real-time updates throughout the raid.
US President Donald Trump and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff later outlined the planning and execution of the mission, codenamed 'Operation Absolute Resolve'. The operation's success hinged on the element of surprise and overwhelming air power, which allowed forces to penetrate Venezuelan defences rapidly.
On-the-Ground Intel and the Final Moments
The role of human intelligence was crucial. CIA assets embedded within Venezuela fed constant streams of data to the attacking forces, guiding them to Maduro's exact location. Reports detail a frantic final stand at the presidential fortress, involving fortified steel doors and exchanges of gunfire, as Maduro allegedly made a failed bid to flee before being apprehended.
Following his capture, Maduro was swiftly flown out of the country by elite Delta Force operatives. He later landed in the United States, where footage showed him handcuffed and escorted by FBI agents, even giving a thumbs-up at a DEA office. The operation, from airspace penetration to extraction, was executed with breathtaking speed.
Global Repercussions and the Road Ahead
The dramatic abduction has sent shockwaves across the global political landscape. Venezuela has declared a state of emergency, with its military activating defence commands and deploying troops in response to what it terms an invasion. The country's officials have demanded 'proof of life' for their captured leader.
Internationally, the action has drawn severe condemnation from key Venezuelan allies. Both China and Russia have accused the US of crossing red lines and have hinted at potential retaliation. Meanwhile, President Trump has laid out plans for Venezuela's vast oil resources, suggesting a strategic shift in control and warning that the US would prevent sales to adversaries.
This operation, dated January 4, 2026, represents a unprecedented direct intervention in Latin America, setting a new precedent for US foreign policy and potentially reshaping geopolitical alliances and energy markets for years to come.
