Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were detained during an overnight raid, reportedly pulled from their sleep as US forces stormed their residence, CNN reported, citing two sources with knowledge of the operation.
How Surprise Raid Unfolded?
The surprise raid took place inside the heavily guarded Ft Tiuna military complex in Caracas, where the couple was staying when US commandos launched the operation.
Carried out by the US Army’s elite Delta Force, the mission unfolded in the early hours of Saturday under the cover of darkness and was completed in under 30 minutes.
Trump Says US Blacked Out Caracas During Maduro Capture
Responding to the operation, US President Donald Trump said Nicolas Maduro was captured from what he described as a heavily fortified location.
He added that US forces had switched off most of the lights across the Venezuelan capital as they moved in to detan Maduro and his wife.
“He was in a fortress,” Trump said in a telephone interview with Fox News.
‘Dark and Deadly’: Trump Hails US Military Operation
US President Donald Trump lauded the American military for what he called its “breathtaking speed, power, precision and competence,” describing US troops as “highly trained warriors” working closely with law enforcement agencies.
Trump also asserted that the United States has intercepted 97% of maritime drug trafficking, alleging that each narcotics vessel is responsible for an average of 25,000 deaths.
According to him, President Nicolas Maduro was captured during a nighttime operation, which he portrayed as “unmatched globally.” He said much of Caracas was plunged into darkness, calling the mission “dark and deadly.”
Manisha Chauhan is a passionate journalist with 3 years of experience in the media industry, covering everything from trending entertainment buzz and celebrity spotlights to thought-provoking book reviews and practical health tips. Known for blending fresh perspectives with reader-friendly writing, she creates content that informs, entertains, and inspires. When she’s not chasing the next viral story, you’ll find her diving into a good book or exploring new wellness trends.
