Gen. Caine on Maduro Capture
Joint Chiefs of Staff President Dan “Raizin” Caine on Saturday provided the most detailed account yet of the U.S. military operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, describing an extraordinarily complex mission executed with rigorous coordination, global reach and without any U.S. casualties.
Following President Donald Trump’s decision address To the nation regarding Maduro’s capture, President Dan Caine delivered a detailed briefing on Operation Absolute Resolve, calling it “a daring operation that only the United States could pull off.”
“Last night, at the direction of the President of the United States and in support of a request from the Department of Justice…the United States military conducted an arrest mission in Caracas, Venezuela, to bring to justice [to] two people charged, Nicholas and Cilia Maduro,” Caine began.
The mission was designed to enforce indictments issued in the Southern District of New York, where U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against the socialist leader and his wife, including conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
Caine explained the scope and scale of the mission, calling it “discreet, precise and carried out during the darkest hours of January 2,” after months of planning and rehearsal. “This particular mission required each component of our joint force to be Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardians, working in unison with our intelligence agency partners and law enforcement teammates,” he said.
The force was activated after a combination of weather and intelligence cues created the necessary conditions. “In early December, our force stood in wait for a series of aligned events…through Christmas and New Years, the men and women of the United States Army stood at the ready, waiting patiently for the right triggers to be encountered and the President to order us to act. A key factor in timing, Caine noted, was “picking the right day to minimize the risk of civil harm, maximize the element of surprise, and minimize harm to indicted personnel, so that, as the president said, they could be brought to justice.”
Caine explained that the operation was based on complete intelligence. “We leveraged our unmatched intelligence capabilities and years of experience hunting terrorists. We watched, we waited, we prepared.” The mission was supported by the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. According to Caine, intelligence teams even tracked what Maduro wore, what he ate and the location of his pets to build a comprehensive behavioral profile.
Once the green light was received, the operation proceeded quickly. “At 10:46 p.m. Eastern Time…the President ordered the United States military to move forward with this mission. He told us, and we appreciate it, Mr. President, ‘Good luck and good luck.’
More than 150 aircraft have been launched from more than 20 bases across the Western Hemisphere. “Bombers, fighters, intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance and rotary wings were in the air. Our youngest crew member was 20 years old and the oldest was 49 years old.”
The helicopters carrying the apprehension force flew just 100 feet above the water, escorted by aircraft including F-22s, F-35s, F-18s, B-1 bombers, EA-18s and remotely piloted drones. As it approached Caracas, the air component dismantled Venezuelan air defenses to ensure the security of the force.
Arriving at Maduro’s compound at 2:01 a.m. local time, the force came under fire and responded in self-defense. “One of our planes was hit, but it remained able to fly,” Caine confirmed.
“This mission was meticulously planned, learning from decades of missions over the past several years,” Caine said. “Those in the air over Caracas last night were prepared to give their lives for those on the ground and in the helicopters. »
The operation took place without loss of material or American casualties. according to to President Trump. Explosions had been reported in Caracas before the raid, notably in Fuerte Tiuna, believed to house Maduro’s bunker.
“This was a powerful display of American joint force,” Caine said. “Our job is to integrate combat power so that when the order comes, we can deploy overwhelming force… against any enemy, anywhere in the world.”
President Caine concluded his speech by paying tribute to the mission staff. “I am immensely proud today of our joint force and filled with gratitude to represent them here today. There is simply no mission too difficult for these incredible professionals and the families who support them. Their courage and tireless commitment to our nation is what makes us strong.”
