At least 80 people, including soldiers and civilians, died during a daring US raid to capture Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro. The night operation, named ‘Operation Absolute Resolve,’ shook Caracas and ended with Maduro being captured and flown to New York.
Maduro Nabbed and Flown to New York
Video footage shows Maduro arriving at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after being extradited on drug trafficking charges. Wearing a grey Nike tracksuit and blindfolded, he was escorted by US Drug Enforcement agents. Despite his dramatic capture, Maduro wished onlookers a “good night” and “happy new year.”
Venezuelan Defence Minister General Vladimir Padrino López condemned the raid on national radio, calling it a “cowardly kidnapping.” He stated that the US forces killed “many of his security team, soldiers and innocent civilians” and vowed that Venezuela’s military stands united against what he described as US “imperial aggression.”
How the US Pulled Off the Shock Raid
Early Saturday, explosions rocked Caracas as a blackout hit the city, reportedly ordered by US forces. Over 150 US aircraft launched coordinated air strikes targeting military bases. Elite Delta Force units stormed Maduro’s hideout at 2am, using blowtorches to break in. They caught Maduro just as he tried to slam the door on them.
“He made it to the door. He was unable to close it. He got bum rushed so fast that he didn’t get into that,” bragged former President Donald Trump.
A photo of the blindfolded, handcuffed leader in custody quickly went viral, illustrating the tight grip US authorities now have on Venezuela’s unstable future.
World Reacts: Fury, Support and Division
The UN Secretary-General called the raid “a dangerous precedent.” UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the US operation but supported a peaceful transition. French President Emmanuel Macron endorsed opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez as Venezuela’s interim leader.
South America remains divided: Brazil’s President Lula criticized the US for crossing “an unacceptable line.” Colombia described the raid as “an assault on Latin American sovereignty.” Cuba labeled it a “criminal attack.” Meanwhile, Argentina’s Jair Milei hailed the operation as “freedom moving forward.”
What Happens Next for Venezuela?
Donald Trump promised the US will “run” Venezuela in Maduro’s absence, eyeing billions of dollars in the nation’s massive oil reserves. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the goal is to implement policies benefiting both America and the Venezuelan people.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, denouncing the US raid as “unprecedented aggression” and demanding Maduro’s immediate release. Trump dismissed opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as lacking popular support.
“The goal is to see changes in Venezuela that are beneficial to the United States… and the Venezuelan people who have suffered tremendously,” Rubio said.
As global leaders clash and Venezuela teeters on the edge, the world watches closely to see what happens next.
Originally published by UKNIP.
