Sources confirmed to the Associated Press (AP) that a high-stakes operation in Caracas resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, leaving at least seven American soldiers injured.
The Pentagon reported that five of those service members have returned to active duty, while two are still undergoing recovery. All injuries were deemed non-life-threatening, although one soldier suffered severe leg injuries from multiple gunshot wounds.
Injuries were reportedly caused by gunfire and shrapnel during close-quarters combat and attacks on helicopters throughout the incursion.
A spokesperson from the Department of Defense remarked that the injured soldiers are receiving top-notch medical care and are on the mend. The low number of casualties highlights the skill of the forces involved, noting the mission was "extremely complex and demanding" yet resulted in minimal American losses.
The operation, dubbed "Absolute Resolve," was a large-scale covert mission led by the Delta Force elite unit, involving around 200 U.S. military personnel and 150 aircraft, including B-1 Lancer bombers and helicopters launched from approximately 20 bases.
The assault commenced at 2:10 a.m. on January 3 and lasted about two and a half hours. During the operation, 24 Venezuelan security officials and 32 Cuban military and police officers, part of Maduro's protective circle, were reported killed.
Although a helicopter was downed, it remained operational. Simultaneously, a cyberattack disrupted power and communications across much of Caracas. Venezuelan officials claimed civilian casualties occurred, but these reports have not been independently verified.
Impact on Cuban Forces
The Cuban Ministry of the Interior (MININT) confirmed the deaths of 32 Cubans during the arrest and extraction of Maduro, noting they were fulfilling security missions on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the MININT, at the request of Venezuelan authorities.
MININT labeled the operation a "criminal attack" by the U.S. government, asserting that the Cubans perished in direct combat or from bombings against facilities while resisting.
Earlier, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the death of the escorts, labeling U.S. forces as "terrorists in imperial uniforms," and stated the deceased Cubans were aiding in the protection of Maduro and his spouse.
Díaz-Canel expressed "pain and outrage" over the incident, extended condolences to the victims' families, and praised their "heroic behavior."
In response, the Cuban president declared two days of national mourning for the 32 Cuban citizens who died during the operation leading to Maduro's capture in Caracas.
FAQs on the Operation to Capture Nicolás Maduro
What led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro?
The capture of Nicolás Maduro was the result of a high-stakes covert military operation by U.S. forces, designed to apprehend the former Venezuelan president and his wife.
How many U.S. personnel were involved in the operation?
Approximately 200 U.S. military personnel participated in the operation, alongside 150 aircraft, including bombers and helicopters.
What was the outcome of the operation in terms of casualties?
The operation resulted in seven U.S. soldiers injured, with 24 Venezuelan security officials and 32 Cuban military and police officers reported dead.