US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on 5/1 that nearly 200 elite US personnel entered central Caracas to apprehend an individual sought by the US justice system and to support law enforcement. He confirmed that no US personnel were killed in this operation. This marks the first time the US has disclosed the number of troops involved in the helicopter-borne operation that entered Caracas early on 3/1 to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
"Mr. Maduro was unaware US forces were approaching until about 3 minutes before the event. In fact, his wife even said, 'I think I hear aircraft outside'", Hegseth recounted, without providing specific evidence.
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Mr. Maduro was taken to court in New York, US, on 5/1. Photo: Reuters
The US military launched "Operation Absolute Resolve" against Venezuela in the early hours of 3/1. Approximately 150 aircraft, deployed from 20 bases, conducted airstrikes on multiple targets across Venezuela. This facilitated the entry of a helicopter squadron into Caracas, carrying Delta special forces and US law enforcement personnel to execute arrest warrants for Mr. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine reported that US special forces reached Mr. Maduro's location shortly after 2h on 3/1. They encountered resistance from his security detail before subduing Mr. Maduro and his wife, then withdrew from Venezuela around 4h30.
President Donald Trump described the mission as a "perfect operation". He stated that one helicopter sustained heavy damage and some US military personnel were injured, but all returned safely.
Venezuelan officials have not yet disclosed specific casualties or damages following the raid. An anonymous Venezuelan official revealed that the US operation resulted in at least 80 deaths, including civilians and security forces. An airstrike reportedly hit the Catia La Mar residential area near the Caracas airport. The Cuban government reported that 32 of its military and intelligence personnel died due to clashes and airstrikes conducted by the US.
