Satellite images have revealed visible damage at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military base, where President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by US forces. The images show signs of strikes inside the heavily guarded complex on the outskirts of Caracas, following a dramatic overnight operation.
Maduro and Flores were at their official residence inside the Fuerte Tiuna installation when US forces moved in. President Donald Trump later said the operation took place in darkness and was carefully planned. He claimed that much of Caracas was plunged into a blackout during the raid, adding that the United States used “certain expertise” to cut power across the city.
According to US officials, Maduro and his wife were taken
from the base and transferred to the USS Iwo Jima, one of several US Navy ships positioned near Venezuela. They were later flown to a US air base. The couple faces US charges linked to an alleged narco-terrorism conspiracy.
At least seven explosions were reported in Caracas during the operation, which Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described as a major joint military and law enforcement raid. The entire mission lasted less than 30 minutes. General Dan Caine, the top US military officer, said around 150 aircraft were involved, supporting troops who arrived by helicopter. He said months of intelligence gathering had gone into the mission, including close tracking of Maduro’s daily routine.
US officials said Maduro and Flores surrendered without resistance and that no American personnel were killed. Trump later posted a photo showing Maduro in a grey tracksuit, wearing protective headphones and a blindfold, with a caption stating he was aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
Maduro, 63, has ruled Venezuela for more than a decade, following the death of former president Hugo Chávez. His time in power has been marked by economic collapse, political repression and elections widely criticised as unfair.
The operation has triggered strong international reactions. China, Russia and Iran, all long-time allies of Maduro, condemned the US action. China called for Maduro’s immediate release. Concern was also expressed by US allies, including France and the European Union.
In Caracas, Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s long-serving vice president, to take over as interim president. She has played a key role in managing the country’s oil-based economy and intelligence services.
Trump also dismissed opposition leader María Corina Machado, despite her recent Nobel Peace Prize, saying she lacked the support needed to lead the country.
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