At a Glance
- President Trump confirms US forces captured Venezuelan President Maduro during a raid.
- Operation involved two Americans, a helicopter, and no aircraft loss.
- Maduro and wife aboard USS Iwo Jima, heading to New York, to be charged in NY.
- Why it matters: US action against a foreign leader signals a shift in diplomatic and military engagement.
President Trump unveiled the first details of a covert US operation that seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The raid, conducted overnight, reportedly left no American deaths and returned all aircraft. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are now aboard the USS Iwo Jima en route to New York, where they face charges in the Southern District of New York.
Operation Details
The raid took place after a four-day delay caused by bad weather, and was executed by US forces that had built a replica of Maduro’s fortified building. Two American personnel were hit, a helicopter sustained damage, but all aircraft returned safely. The operation was described as “pinpoint” and executed with precision.
- Two Americans were hit, but recovered in good condition.
- One helicopter was damaged, but recovered.
- No aircraft were lost.
President Trump said:
> “I think we had nobody killed, I have to say because a couple of guys were hit. But they came back and they’re supposed to be in pretty good shape.”
President Trump added:
> “We lost no aircraft. Everything came back, we got it all back. One of them was hit pretty hard, a helicopter, but we got it back.”
President Trump also noted:
> “Maduro was in a highly guarded ‘fortress’ at the time of his capture.”
President Trump explained the timing:
> “The operation was originally supposed to take place four days ago but was delayed due to bad weather. And then all of the sudden it opened up and we said go.”
President Trump described the replica house:
> “They actually built a house which was identical to the one they went into with all the safes, all the steel all over the place.”
President Trump mentioned Maduro’s last move:
> “Maduro had been attempting to get into a ‘safety space’ shortly before he was captured, but ‘got bum rushed so fast that he didn’t get into there.'”
Aftermath and Legal Steps
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are aboard the USS Iwo Jima, heading to New York for federal charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the pair will be charged in the Southern District of New York. Congressional leaders were notified only after the operation was complete.
| Event | Status | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Capture of Maduro | Completed | Charged in NY |
| Transfer to USS Iwo Jima | In progress | Arrival in New York |
| Congressional notification | Delayed | Pending briefing |
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) posted on X:
> “Free Cuba.”
Key Takeaways
- US forces captured Maduro without American casualties.
- Maduro and wife are en route to New York for federal charges.
- The operation was delayed by weather and executed with a replica building.
The raid underscores the United States’ willingness to use military force in pursuit of foreign leaders, a move that may reshape diplomatic dynamics in the region.
