Newly surfaced footage has revealed a critical and dangerous moment during a recent US military operation in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. The video captures the instant American helicopters came under intense fire, including a direct missile strike.
The Night Attack Over Caracas
The operation, which took place overnight, saw US forces engaging in a dramatic strike. According to reports, tracer rounds lit up the darkness as Venezuelan air defences responded fiercely. The pivotal moment, as shown in the unseen video, is when a missile launched by Venezuelan forces is seen streaking towards a US military helicopter. The chopper was hit hard, leading to a situation that nearly caused the American operation to collapse midair.
Trump's Admission and the Aftermath
In the aftermath, US President Donald Trump described the event as "a war" and admitted the hit was "pretty bad". As dawn broke following the intense night engagement, US forces launched a follow-up assault, firing rockets across Caracas. The explosions were powerful enough to plunge parts of the city into darkness and echoed throughout the capital.
The human cost of the operation is becoming clearer. Citing a senior Venezuelan official with access to early assessments, The New York Times reports at least 40 people were killed, a figure that includes both civilians and soldiers. On the American side, CNN reports that a handful of US troops sustained wounds from bullets and shrapnel. However, no American aircraft were lost and no US troops were killed in the operation.
Broader Implications of the Strike
This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the United States and the Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro. The direct strike on a US military aircraft by Venezuelan forces and the subsequent large-scale American response indicates a move from political posturing to open, armed conflict. The release of the video footage brings the reality of this confrontation to the global public, showcasing the high-risk nature of the operation that was previously only described in official statements and reports. The event is likely to have serious diplomatic repercussions and could influence future foreign policy decisions in the region.
