US Launches Military Attack in Venezuela, President Maduro Abducted

US Forces Conduct Operation to Seize Maduro

A military operation was carried out by US forces on Friday night, resulting in the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The operation, code-named “Absolute Resolve,” involved 150 aircraft taking off from 20 airbases across the Western Hemisphere.

According to General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the operation was carefully rehearsed for months. Trump stated that US forces had practiced their extraction of Maduro on a replica building, which included details such as steel and lighting.

The operation began at 11:46pm local time on Friday, with US aircraft disabling Venezuela’s air defense systems. Several explosions were reported in Caracas, with the Venezuelan government stating that the strikes also hit the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.

US helicopters arrived at Maduro’s compound in the capital at 2:01am on Saturday, where he was taken into custody along with his wife, Cilia Flores. The exact circumstances of their capture are unclear.

Maduro was later placed on board a US aircraft carrier en route to New York, where he was escorted by US forces. He arrived at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York at approximately 4:30pm on Saturday.

The operation has been met with various reactions from around the world. The Trump administration had increased pressure on Venezuela in recent months, including a military build-up in the Caribbean and deadly missile attacks on alleged drug-running boats. A $50m reward was also offered for information leading to Maduro’s arrest.

Details of the operation are still emerging, but it is clear that US forces have carried out a significant military action against Maduro.

Source: Al Jazeera