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Operation ‘Absolute Resolve’

Gen. Dan Caine detailed the military action, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, calling it discreet and precise. US forces, he said, dismantled Venezuelan air defenses and arrived at Maduro’s compound at 1:01 a.m. ET, isolating the area.

Helicopters came under fire and responded with “overwhelming force.” One aircraft was hit, but all US aircraft returned safely, Caine said. By 3:29 a.m. ET, Maduro and his wife were in US custody and aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

The operation involved more than 150 aircraft and months of intelligence work tracking Maduro’s habits, movements and security.

Warnings to Venezuelan Leadership

Trump warned Venezuelan political and military leaders that Maduro’s fate could be theirs. Declaring Venezuelans “free again,” he said the US was now a “safer” and “prouder” nation.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the mission as a “massive joint military and law enforcement raid, flawlessly executed,” adding that Maduro, like Iran, “had his chance.”

Nation-Building and Consequences

Trump hailed the strike as one of the most powerful displays of US military might in history, emphasizing that no American personnel were killed and no equipment lost.

He said the US would run Venezuela until a proper transition could occur, a declaration that drew comparisons to past American interventions. Quoting former Secretary of State Colin Powell, observers noted: “If you break it, you own it.”

Trump promised a US “partnership” would make Venezuelans “rich, independent and safe,” including those living in the United States.

Oil, Drugs and Future Threats

Trump labeled Maduro an “illegitimate dictator,” accusing him of overseeing massive drug trafficking through the Cartel de los Soles, claims Maduro has long denied.

He said Maduro and his wife were en route to New York, with a final destination decision pending between New York and Miami.

Turning to energy, Trump said Venezuela’s oil industry had been a “bust” and that major US companies would rebuild infrastructure. He warned the US was ready to launch a larger second attack if required, though the success of the initial strike might make it unnecessary.

Trump concluded by praising US forces for their speed and precision, saying Venezuelan defenses were overwhelmed despite being on alert. He claimed the US had knocked out 97% of drugs entering by sea, figures not independently verified.

As the dust settles, the us attack on venezuela leaves Washington squarely responsible for the country’s next chapter—its future now tethered to decisions made far from Caracas.