Caracas – In a stunning turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. security forces in Caracas, triggering a swift response from international leaders and raising hopes for a democratic transition in the crisis-stricken nation. The audacious operation, confirmed by multiple sources, has sent shockwaves through the region and beyond.
international Support Rallies Behind Opposition Leader
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France’s President Macron immediately voiced support for Venezuela’s opposition, calling for the release of political prisoners.
- French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with opposition leader María Corina Machado following Maduro’s capture.
- Macron pledged France’s support for a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela.
- The U.S. operation involved elite Delta Force.
macron’s office released a statement emphasizing the importance of respecting the will of the Venezuelan people. Machado, in turn, expressed gratitude for France’s support and emphasized the urgent need to free all political prisoners. “The freedom of all political prisoners is our immediate priority. I ask the heads of State and government and all democrats in the world to support us in this decisive hour. Venezuela will be free,” she posted on X.
A Daring Operation Months in the Making
The U.S.military operation that led to Maduro’s capture was executed by elite forces from the Delta Force. Former President Donald Trump reportedly monitored the operation from Mar-a-Lago.According to reporting in The New York Times, the raid was the culmination of months of intelligence work, including the infiltration of CIA agents into Maduro’s inner circle and the construction of a replica of his safe house for practice runs.
The pre-dawn raid was described as one of the riskiest operations undertaken since the death of Osama bin laden in Pakistan.trump recounted witnessing the assault unfold as if watching a television broadcast, noting that commandos swiftly breached steel doors. General Dan Caine, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, explained that the element of surprise was crucial, and the CIA had successfully pinpointed Maduro’s movements through human intelligence and drone surveillance.
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers, played a key role in securing Maduro’s capture. He attempted to take refuge in a reinforced room but was unsuccessful. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, was also arrested at the scene.
Transfer to U.S. Custody
Maduro has since been transferred to the United States and is currently in New York. CNN reports he will be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal prison in Brooklyn, pending his initial court appearance. His wife, Cilia Flores, accompanied him on the flight and is also in U.S. custody.
Did you know? The operation to capture Maduro involved building a full-scale replica of his safe house to allow U.S. forces to practice the assault.
