What's happened
The US conducted a surprise operation in Caracas, involving land, air, sea, cyber, and intelligence forces, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The raid was executed with high precision, with US officials confirming Maduro and his wife were flown out of the country. The operation involved Delta Force and the 160th SOAR, with no US casualties reported.
What's behind the headline?
The operation signals a major shift in US military tactics and foreign policy. The use of cyberattacks to disable Caracas's power grid, as suggested by President Trump, indicates a new level of technological warfare. The involvement of Delta Force and the 160th SOAR underscores the operation's complexity and precision. The international condemnation from Russia, Iran, and Cuba highlights the geopolitical risks, while the swift US action demonstrates a willingness to pursue high-value targets directly. This raid will likely set a precedent for future covert operations, emphasizing the importance of multi-domain capabilities and rapid execution. The long-term impact may include increased instability in Venezuela and heightened tensions with allied nations supporting Maduro, with potential repercussions for regional security.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports on the extensive aerial and drone assault, verified by multiple videos showing explosions and military activity in Caracas. Politico highlights President Trump's claims of cyberattacks disabling Caracas's power, suggesting a new frontier in US cyber warfare. Business Insider UK details the involvement of Delta Force and the 160th SOAR, emphasizing the operational complexity and historical significance of the raid. The Times of Israel provides a detailed timeline of the strikes, including the targeting of military bases and the capture of Maduro, while also noting international reactions from Russia and other allies. The contrasting perspectives underscore the operation's military success and geopolitical controversy, with some sources emphasizing the precision and others highlighting the risks of escalation.
How we got here
Tensions between the US and Venezuela have escalated over accusations of narco-terrorism and criminal activity linked to Maduro's government. The US has long sought to remove Maduro, citing support for illicit activities and control over Venezuela's oil reserves. The recent operation marks a significant escalation, with US forces executing a complex, multi-domain raid after months of planning, utilizing cyber, air, and ground assets to achieve their objective.
Go deeper
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Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.
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Caracas, officially Santiago de León de Caracas, abbreviated as CCS, is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, and the center of the Metropolitan Region of Caracas.