The Colombian news outlet, Noticias Caracol, has pieced together the clandestine military operation that resulted in the apprehension of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3rd in Caracas.
This investigative report, utilizing satellite imagery, exclusive video footage, and 3D technology, meticulously chronicles the minute-by-minute execution of the mission, which was spearheaded by U.S. forces.
The report reveals that the mission, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolution," was orchestrated from the Southern Command's base in Florida, receiving support from Colombian intelligence units and Venezuelan opposition groups.
The footage shows drones entering Venezuelan airspace shortly after 2:00 a.m. local time, followed by Black Hawk helicopters landing near Fuerte Tiuna in Caracas.
Sources told the news outlet that the primary goal was to capture Maduro alive and quickly move him out of the country.
In under 25 minutes, Delta forces secured the area, disabled the communications at the Palacio de Miraflores, and seized control of the main entry points without any civilian casualties.
The reconstruction indicates that at 2:47 a.m., a specialized team stormed the presidential residence. Maduro and Cilia Flores were apprehended in an inner room as they attempted to contact their security team and access a bunker.
The operation was monitored in real-time from Washington by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
After their capture, the detainees were transported on a U.S. military aircraft that took off from an ad hoc runway along the central coast.
The mission officially concluded at 4:12 a.m. when the elite forces exited Venezuelan airspace en route to U.S. territory.
Military experts consulted by Noticias Caracol described the operation as one of the most rapid and precise in recent history, drawing comparisons to the mission that led to the death of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011.
Details of Nicolás Maduro's Capture Operation
What was the main objective of Operation Absolute Resolution?
The primary objective was to capture Nicolás Maduro alive and swiftly transport him out of Venezuela.
Which forces were involved in the operation?
The operation was led by U.S. forces with assistance from Colombian intelligence units and Venezuelan opposition groups.
How did the operation conclude?
The operation concluded when the elite forces exited Venezuelan airspace, heading towards the United States.