US Special Forces Capture Maduro in Coordinated Operation
The United States carried out a meticulously planned operation on January 4, 2026, resulting in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This high-stakes pre-dawn raid involved extensive preparations by the CIA and US military, marking a significant escalation in US-Venezuela relations.
Dubbed ‘Operation Absolute Resolve,’ the mission was executed with precision, as Maduro was apprehended in his compound following months of intelligence gathering. US officials emphasized the operation’s flawless execution, indicating its strategic importance in combating drug trafficking linked to the Venezuelan president.
Background of Operation Absolute Resolve
The operation stems from a long-standing US objective to hold Maduro accountable for allegations of drug trafficking and human rights violations. Following his designation as a “narco-terrorist” by former President Trump, US intelligence agencies had been collecting critical information on Maduro’s movements and habits.
The US embassy in Caracas had been closed for years, complicating intelligence operations. Nevertheless, a covert CIA team entered Venezuela in August 2025 to surveil Maduro without diplomatic protection. Their groundbreaking approach combined actionable intelligence from human sources and high-tech drone surveillance.
Intelligence Gathering and Military Planning
Covert Operations and On-the-Ground Sources
Reports indicate that the CIA linked up with a human source close to Maduro, supplementing this with stealth drone surveillance. This triangulated information enabled the US to develop a comprehensive understanding of Maduro’s daily routine, including his choice of food and even details about his pets. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, noted that this level of intelligence was critical for planning the ensuing raid.
Military Drills and Tactical Challenges
As intelligence updated, Delta Force commandos initiated rehearsals at a life-sized replica of Maduro’s compound, built specifically for this operation in Kentucky. The training emphasized breaching reinforced doors and executing rapid entry procedures, which would prove essential once the operation commenced.
However, significant challenges emerged in pinpointing Maduro’s exact location, as he frequently rotated between multiple safe houses. The planning team faced uncertainty about his whereabouts until nightfall in many instances, complicating the mission’s execution.
Pressure Build-Up: Diplomatic and Military Maneuvers
In the weeks leading to January 4, the US intensified its diplomatic and military pressure on Maduro. Notably, a pre-emptive drone strike targeted a Venezuelan port facility just days prior to the raid. In addition, the US had been conducting operations disrupting Venezuelan maritime activities, causing civilian casualties and drawing international scrutiny.
A week before the operation, Maduro attempted to negotiate a deal with the US, offering access to Venezuelan oil in exchange for safe passage to Turkey. However, US officials assessed these discussions as futile and ultimately rejected the proposal.
Final Authorization and Intelligence Monitoring
President Trump authorized military action on December 25, 2025, leaving the operational timing to Pentagon officials. The holiday season proved advantageous, as many Venezuelan military personnel were on leave, reducing the risk of immediate retaliation.
Over the days leading to the raid, the US reinforced its military presence in the Caribbean and deployed various assets, including special operations aircraft and electronic warfare planes. Analysts interpreted this buildup as a clear indication of impending military action.
Weather conditions delayed the operation for several days, a situation Trump later referenced during a press conference. Once meteorological conditions improved, military commanders monitored potential operational windows, culminating in the final approval issued by Trump late on the night of January 3.
Execution of the Operation
Operation Absolute Resolve commenced early January 4, when the US initiated a cyber-attack that cut power across large sections of Caracas. This strategic move facilitated the approach of military aircraft with reduced detection risks.
More than 150 US aircraft, including drones, fighters, and bombers, were dispatched from 20 different bases. Initial strikes targeted air defense installations, taking down significant components of Venezuela’s military response capability. Reports indicated significant casualties, including civilians, as a result of the preliminary airstrikes.
Engagement at Maduro’s Compound
Following the airstrikes, US helicopters approached Maduro’s compound around 2:01 AM local time but came under heavy fire. Despite sustaining hits, Delta Force operators breached the premises using explosives, swiftly locating and arresting Maduro.
Within five minutes of entering the building, Delta Force confirmed that Maduro was in custody, effectively concluding the raid without further escalation of violence. An FBI negotiator was present but unnecessary during the brief engagement.
Aftermath and Broader Implications
Post-capture, Maduro and his wife were transported by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean before being transferred to a military-controlled site near New York. The takeover of Maduro raises significant questions regarding the legality and morality of US intervention, as critics voiced concerns about civilian casualties and international law violations.
In a press conference following the operation, Trump warned other Venezuelan political figures that they could also be targeted. He pronounced that the US would assume a governing role in Venezuela until a stable transitional government could be established, hinting at the strategic oil reserves of the country.
International Reaction
The international community has been divided in its responses. While some nations in favor of US intervention hailed the operation as a necessary measure against a tyrannical regime, others condemned it as a dangerous breach of sovereignty. Critics within Venezuela and abroad expressed skepticism regarding the operation’s legality and the implications of a prolonged US presence in the region.
Trump’s operation has reignited debates over US foreign policy, particularly its willingness to conduct direct interventions under the guise of combating drug trafficking and restoring democracy. Political analysts anticipate ongoing turmoil in Venezuela as new political alliances reshape under the pressure of US influence.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As the dust settles from this audacious military operation, questions linger regarding the future of Venezuela and the potential ramifications for US foreign policy. The removal of Maduro may open a path for new leadership, but it also risks civil unrest and backlash from supporters of the ousted president.
The situation remains fluid, with observers keeping a keen eye on Venezuela’s evolving political landscape. Only time will tell how this dramatic intervention will shape the country’s future and international relations.