Washington, Jan 4 (NationPress) President Donald Trump revealed that an overnight operation conducted by U.S. military and law enforcement in Caracas led to the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his spouse, Celia Flores. Trump characterized the mission as one of the most intricate and precise actions executed by American forces.

During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump stated that the operation leveraged overwhelming American military strength across air, land, and sea, executed under the cover of darkness for maximum surprise. He emphasized, “It was dark, and it was deadly,” noting that all Venezuelan military capabilities were rendered “powerless.”

Trump confirmed that both Maduro and Flores were captured without any casualties or equipment losses on the American side. “Not a single American service member was killed, and not a single piece of American equipment was lost,” he asserted.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. Dan Caine, stated that the operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, had been meticulously planned over several months and involved collaboration across U.S. military and intelligence sectors. “More than 150 aircraft” were deployed from 20 different bases across the Western Hemisphere, with forces operating at low altitudes to evade detection.

Caine reported that helicopters faced enemy fire during the mission but returned safely. “One of our aircraft was hit but remained flyable,” he added, indicating that the extraction force successfully completed their mission and returned to sea with the detainees aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a “massive joint military and law enforcement raid flawlessly executed.” He stated that this operation showcased “America’s ability to project our will anywhere, anytime.”

Trump mentioned that Maduro was apprehended while attempting to reach a fortified area, asserting that U.S. forces reacted faster than anticipated resistance.

When questioned about prior Congressional notification, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated it was unfeasible, labeling it a “trigger-based mission” that necessitated secrecy to secure success.

Trump indicated that Maduro would be extradited to the United States for trial, affirming, “Ultimately, in the near future, he’s going to be brought to New York.” He added that decisions regarding detention would be made by the appropriate authorities.

Trump warned that the U.S. maintains the capability to conduct further operations if necessary, stating, “We were prepared to do a second wave.” He noted that American forces remain stationed in the region.

This arrest signifies a significant escalation in U.S. actions against Venezuela’s leadership, which has long been accused of various crimes including drug trafficking, regional destabilization, and human rights violations, as part of a broader initiative to dismantle criminal networks throughout the Western Hemisphere.