Following the US military operation in Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, Reuters published extensive details on the planning, execution, and scope of the mission, citing US officials and informed sources.
According to the report, preparations lasted for months and involved US special forces, the CIA, and dozens of military aircraft. US President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that American forces had captured Maduro and his wife in Caracas during a large, complex operation.
Trump revealed the operation at 4:21 a.m. Saturday in a post on Truth Social, surprising many. However, sources said planning for one of the most complex US missions in recent years had been underway for months and included meticulous rehearsals. US special forces, including Army Delta Force, reportedly built a replica of Maduro’s secure residence and repeatedly practiced breaching it.
A CIA team had been operating since August to track Maduro’s movements and lifestyle, which proved critical. Two additional sources said the CIA also had a source close to Maduro who monitored his movements and pinpointed his location during the operation.