In a stunning military operation that has sent shockwaves across the globe, United States forces successfully apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, while they were asleep in their bed. The mission, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved a massive deployment of air power and months of secret planning.
The Planning and Execution of a Daring Raid
General Dan Caine, the top-ranking officer of the US armed forces, provided intricate details of the mission during a press conference held on Saturday, December 3, 2026. He explained that the operation was the culmination of extensive surveillance work by agencies like the CIA, NSA, and NCA. For months, these organizations meticulously tracked Maduro's daily routines and behaviors to identify the perfect moment for a strike.
By early December, all forces were in position, waiting only for optimal weather conditions. This careful timing was crucial to ensure a surprise entry and to minimize any risk to civilians. The final green light came at 10:46 PM Washington time on Friday, when President Trump gave the order to proceed.
A Coordinated Assault from Sea and Sky
The extraction team approached Caracas using helicopters that flew perilously low, just 100 feet above the water, to avoid radar detection. At the same time, a formidable air armada including F-22s, F-35s, and B-1 bombers moved in to neutralize Venezuela's air defense systems, clearing the way for the ground teams.
At precisely 1:01 AM EST, the apprehension force fast-roped into Maduro's residential compound. Despite coming under brief fire from guards, the teams used real-time intelligence to swiftly navigate the building's interior. The operation reached its climax when US soldiers entered the presidential bedroom and took the sleeping couple into custody.
Successful Extraction and Aftermath
The withdrawal phase saw several "self-defense engagements" as the force exited the compound under suppressive cover provided by drones and fighter jets. By 3:29 AM EST, the entire team was safely over international waters. Maduro and Flores were swiftly transported to the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship stationed nearby.
President Trump later confirmed the mission's total success, even sharing a photograph of the captive leader on board the vessel. He notably emphasized that Operation Absolute Resolve was executed without a single American casualty or loss of military equipment, marking it as a textbook special forces achievement.
