PALM BEACH, Florida ~ The United States military conducted an overnight mission in Caracas, Venezuela, capturing Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores. The operation, code-named Operation Absolute Resolve, began late January 2 and concluded early January 3. U.S. officials said the mission involved more than 150 aircraft and joint forces from multiple military branches targeting a fortified compound in downtown Caracas.
President Trump confirmed the capture in social media posts early Saturday and later addressed reporters at a press conference. “All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless as the men and women of our military, working with U.S. law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night,” Trump said. “Captured along with his wife, Celia Flores, both of whom now face American justice.”
SOCIAL MEDIA:
(CONTINUED) Officials reported no U.S. casualties and no loss of equipment, despite exchanges of gunfire as helicopters entered the compound. Maduro and Flores were taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima and are being transported to the United States. They are expected to face trial in the Southern District of New York on narcoterrorism charges.
The indictment alleges Maduro oversaw the Cartel de las Solis, which trafficked narcotics into the United States and deployed violent gangs, including Tren de Aragua, into American cities. U.S. officials also accused Maduro of seizing American oil assets and hosting foreign adversaries in violation of U.S. security policy.
President Trump said the United States will maintain a presence in Venezuela to oversee a transition and restore oil production infrastructure. He stated that U.S. energy companies will invest in rebuilding facilities and that elections will be scheduled after stability is established.
