One of the most discussed stories worldwide is the US announcement that Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro has been captured. Washington says the operation was planned for months and became one of the largest of recent years, DKNews.kz reports.
How events unfolded
According to President Donald Trump and US officials, Maduro was detained early in the morning at his residence in Caracas, together with his wife, Cilia Flores.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty; Donald J. Trump/truthsocial
US media report that:
- special forces took part
- aircraft and drones were used
- surveillance had been conducted in advance
Senior officials are said to have coordinated the mission from Washington.
| AFP
Who prepared the operation
Media reports suggest involvement from:
- the State Department
- the Pentagon
- US intelligence agencies
Sources claim the US had informants inside the Venezuelan government and used satellite surveillance.
U.S. Delta Forces
Many details remain classified and are not officially confirmed.
How the operation took place
According to US reports, the mission lasted several hours.
Sources say:
- Maduro attempted to hide
- the area was blocked
- exchanges of fire took place
CNN reports that several American servicemen were injured, but none critically.
After being detained, Maduro and his wife were reportedly taken out of the country and may face trial in the United States.
What Washington says
US authorities are calling the operation a success.
Donald Trump stated that:
- no American troops were killed
- the mission was “one of the most impressive” demonstrations of US capability
Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Maduro of refusing peaceful options.
Why the US was pursuing Maduro
Maduro was wanted on charges that included:
- drug trafficking
- money laundering
The US had previously offered up to 50 million USD for information leading to his capture.
Dario Leone
Reaction from Venezuela
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government initially did not know where Maduro was and demanded proof he was alive.
Later, a photograph appeared online showing Maduro in handcuffs.
What happens next
A court process in the US is expected.
Analysts believe:
- political tensions may rise
- instability inside Venezuela is possible
- the broader geopolitical landscape in the region may change
