US Covertly Captures Nicolás Maduro in Caracas Amidst Controversy and Uncertainty
The US launched a covert operation named Operation Absolute Resolve to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas following months of surveillance. The mission, conducted by Delta Force and other elite units, involved the use of a blowtorch and rehearsals in a full-scale replica of Maduro’s Caracas safe house. More than 150 aircraft were deployed for this night mission, which lasted about 2 hours and 20 minutes, involving air, land, and sea actions. The order to commence was given at 22:46 EDT on Friday, with strikes beginning around 02:00 local time.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and later detained by the Department of Justice while being transported to New York to face drug trafficking and weapons charges. The US accuses Maduro of leading a narco-terrorist regime. During the operation, Maduro reportedly tried to reach a safe room but was incapacitated. The mission, not briefed to Congress beforehand, drew criticism for recklessness; however, Senator Marco Rubio defended the secrecy, citing the need to prevent leaks.
BBC Verify identified five targets around Caracas during the operation, including the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base, La Carlota, and the Port La Guaira. Although a couple of US service members were injured and at least one US helicopter sustained damage, no fatalities were reported.
The Venezuelan government loyalists organized rallies in Caracas following the capture, while the opposition condemned it as kidnapping. The National Assembly, dominated by Maduro loyalists, passed legislation condemning US naval blockade supporters as traitors. Diosdado Cabello, Maduro’s ally and Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, is perceived to be increasing his influence, with some fearing that the army may side with the people.
Public reaction in Caracas reflected a mixture of hope, fear, and uncertainty. Exiled Venezuelans abroad number close to eight million since Maduro assumed power in 2013. The 2024 election under Maduro's regime is viewed by many opponents as illegitimate.
Internationally, Brazil’s President Lula da Silva condemned the United States’ action, stating that it sets a dangerous precedent. Former US President Donald Trump portrayed the operation as a decisive demonstration of US military capability and indicated that the US would manage Venezuela and its oil reserves until a permanent successor is established, although many residents remain skeptical about his intentions.
