In a dramatic overnight operation, United States special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, directly from their bedroom. The raid, which took place at their heavily secured residence inside the Ft Tiuna military complex in Caracas, was executed by elite US Army Delta Force troops alongside FBI agents.
The Midnight Operation: A Swift Strike
According to officials briefed on the mission, the couple was asleep when American forces stormed their home. The entire operation, described as swift and precise, was completed in less than 30 minutes. A significant detail confirmed by US President Donald Trump is that there were no American fatalities, a result he called "amazing," though he acknowledged some personnel sustained injuries.
President Trump stated that Maduro was taken from what he termed a "fortress," highlighting the complexity of the mission at the well-guarded military compound. Following their capture, the Venezuelan leader and his wife were transported to a US warship. Reports from Fox News indicate the duo is expected to reach New York on Monday.
Legal Reckoning Awaits in American Courts
US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the pair will face justice in New York, vowing they would "soon face the full wrath of American justice." This legal action follows a long-standing indictment; Maduro was charged in 2020 on narco-terrorism counts after an extensive investigation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is currently unclear if new charges have been filed against his wife, Cilia Flores.
The capture was the culmination of a "large-scale" strike on the Venezuelan capital, as confirmed earlier by President Trump. This unprecedented move marks a significant escalation in the US's direct involvement in the political crisis of the oil-rich nation.
Global Implications of the Capture
The successful extraction of a sitting head of state from his own military headquarters is an event with profound international ramifications. It sets a stark precedent and is likely to trigger serious diplomatic fallout. The operation demonstrates a willingness to use direct military action to pursue individuals charged with crimes by the US judicial system, even on foreign soil.
Analysts will be watching closely for reactions from Venezuela's allies and the broader international community. The immediate focus, however, shifts to the legal proceedings in a New York courtroom, where the long-running case against Nicolás Maduro is poised to enter a new and public phase.
