US Operatives Detain Venezuelan Leader Maduro in Surprise Raid

US Operatives Detain Venezuelan Leader Maduro in Surprise Raid

Post by : Mina Rahman

In a surprising overnight operation, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, were apprehended and subsequently evacuated from the country, as disclosed by US President Donald Trump early on Saturday.

Trump made the announcement via social media at 4:21 AM, asserting that Maduro is now under US custody. This news followed reports of significant explosions in Caracas, leading to widespread speculation about a concerted military action.

Several loud detonations were reported in various areas of Caracas during an attack that lasted under thirty minutes. Eyewitnesses noted at least seven explosions and observed smoke billowing from a military base hangar. A second military site in the city experienced power outages due to the strikes. The operation appeared directed at essential military infrastructures linked to Venezuela’s armed forces.

At the time of the military action, Maduro and Flores were reportedly at their residence within the Ft. Tiuna military compound, situated on Caracas' outskirts. This operation, dubbed “Absolute Resolve,” was meticulously planned and executed under the cover of darkness following extensive preparations.

Sources familiar with the mission indicated that the operation included rigorous rehearsals, such as training on a replica of the presidential compound. US operatives were equipped with specialized tools designed to breach fortified safe rooms if required.

A journalist from a prominent American publication, who has been monitoring US-Venezuela relations over the past year, noted early indicators of US involvement shortly after the explosions occurred. Official acknowledgment came when Trump publicly confirmed Maduro's capture.

Following the announcement, this journalist reached out to Trump directly by phone. Although the president offered no extensive details during this brief conversation, he instructed reporters to anticipate more information during an upcoming press conference.

US officials have reported that Maduro and his wife will face serious charges, including narco-terrorism, in American courts. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has consistently alleged that Washington seeks to destabilize his government to acquire control over Venezuela’s rich oil reserves.

This bold operation signifies a significant shift in the already tense US-Venezuela relations, with profound implications and potential backlash expected throughout Latin America and beyond as the international community awaits further statements.

Jan. 5, 2026 1:01 p.m. 453
#Global News #World News #Donald Trump
Deadly Checkpoint Blast Near Afghan Border Kills 11 Security Personnel and a Child in Pakistan
Feb. 17, 2026 6:46 p.m.
A militant suicide attack on a checkpoint in Pakistan’s Bajaur district kills 11 security personnel and a child, highlighting rising violence near the Afghan bo
Read More
Hyatt Chairman Thomas Pritzker Steps Down After Epstein Ties Surface
Feb. 17, 2026 6:07 p.m.
Hyatt Hotels chairman Thomas Pritzker resigns, saying he showed “terrible judgment” by keeping contact with Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell, sparking corporate conc
Read More
North Korea Highlights New Pyongyang Housing as Major Party Meeting Draws Near
Feb. 17, 2026 4:58 p.m.
Kim Jong Un celebrates 10,000 new homes in Pyongyang ahead of a major party congress that will set North Korea’s next policy and development goals
Read More
Germany’s Economy Shows Small Growth Sign, But Businesses Say Recovery Is Still Fragile
Feb. 17, 2026 3:39 p.m.
Germany’s economy may grow 1% in 2026, but business leaders warn weak demand, high costs and low investment still threaten recovery
Read More
Kremlin Signals Possible Naval Response if Russian Ships Are Seized by Western Powers
Feb. 17, 2026 2:59 p.m.
Senior Kremlin aide warns Western countries against seizing Russian vessels and says Moscow may use naval power to protect shipping routes
Read More
UK Government Cancels Plan to Postpone May Council Elections After Legal Risk
Feb. 17, 2026 2:47 p.m.
UK government restores May council elections after legal advice warns delay could fail in court, raising fresh questions over leadership decisions
Read More
Lebanon Says Four Months Needed for Next Phase of Hezbollah Disarmament
Feb. 17, 2026 1:42 p.m.
Lebanon’s government says its army will need at least four months to begin the second phase of disarming Hezbollah in southern Lebanon amid ongoing tensions
Read More
Rubio Supports Orbán’s New Election Bid During Hungary Visit
Feb. 17, 2026 1:11 p.m.
Marco Rubio supports Viktor Orbán’s re-election bid in Hungary and signs a civilian nuclear cooperation deal, drawing global political attention
Read More
Iran Meets UN Nuclear Watchdog in Geneva as Crucial US Talks Approach
Feb. 17, 2026 12:50 p.m.
Iran meets UN nuclear watchdog chief in Geneva ahead of US talks, as military tension rises and both sides test chances for a new nuclear deal
Read More
Sponsored
Trending News