Months‑long covert planning culminates in night raid U.S. special‑operations units rehearsed on a replica of the presidential palace and studied Maduro’s daily habits for weeks before executing “Operation Absolute Resolve” under cover of darkness when weather cleared the approach routes into Caracas [1][2][3]. Helicopters breached the compound with “massive blowtorches,” triggering multiple explosions that rattled the capital for under 30 minutes [1][2]. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez reported civilian and military casualties, while a blackout swept parts of the city during the assault [2].

Maduro and Cilia Flores seized and airlifted to USS Iwo Jima Elite forces dragged the sleeping president and his wife from their bedroom, captured them without U.S. fatalities, and lifted them by helicopter to the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima [1][3]. President Trump announced the pair will be transported to New York to face federal drug‑and‑weapons trafficking charges in Manhattan court [1][3]. Some American service members sustained injuries when a helicopter was struck during the extraction [3].

Global leaders condemn the raid and warn of escalation Brazil’s President Lula labeled the operation a violation of international law, while China issued a travel advisory for its citizens in Venezuela [3]. European officials called for de‑escalation and respect for sovereignty, and the United Kingdom clarified it had no involvement [3]. Trump pledged U.S. leadership over Venezuela’s future, asserting the action was necessary despite the controversy [1].

Legal and sovereignty questions dominate U.S. discourse U.S. officials acknowledged ongoing debates about the legality of both the drone strike on a suspected cartel dock and the outright capture of a sitting head of state [2]. Trump admitted his administration was still weighing the legal pathway for Maduro’s detention [1]. Rodríguez hinted at possible dialogue with the United States, suggesting a constitutional succession could be discussed [1].

Casualties and infrastructure damage reported amid power outage Explosions in Caracas caused civilian deaths and injured military personnel, according to the Venezuelan vice president [2]. The raid coincided with a citywide blackout, further complicating emergency response [2]. International observers noted the operation marks the first direct U.S. military action on Venezuelan soil since earlier anti‑drug strikes [2].