Caracas, Jan 04 (V7N)- US President Donald Trump personally monitored the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. According to CNN, Trump watched the operation live on a screen from Mar-a-Lago, Florida, with social media updates streamed in real time.

The operation, carried out by the US Delta Force, targeted Maduro’s residence in Caracas. Maduro, who was reportedly asleep beside his wife Cilia Flores, attempted to escape to a safe room but was quickly arrested. Both were taken into US custody wearing handcuffs, black goggles, and casual attire.

The raid, dubbed ‘Operation Absolute Resolve’, involved 150 aircraft and personnel from military and intelligence agencies. Aircraft took off simultaneously from 20 US bases, carrying out precision strikes on Venezuelan air defense systems, while cyber warfare measures were employed to disrupt communications.

The team reached Maduro’s compound via helicopter around 2 am local time. During a brief exchange of fire, one helicopter was hit but remained operational. Realizing the situation, Maduro and his wife surrendered and were later transported to the USS Iwo Jima, which made a stop at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, before being flown to Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Maduro had multiple opportunities to avoid capture but failed to do so. Following the raid, streets in Caracas were largely deserted, and shops and gas stations remained closed.

President Trump described watching the operation as “like watching television,” but did not provide details on how long the US would maintain influence over Venezuela.

END/SMA/AJ