Operation Details: Replica Residence and Weather Delay

Trump disclosed that US forces built an exact replica of Maduro’s residence for months of intensive training, including safe locations.

The raid was originally scheduled earlier but postponed due to adverse weather. CIA sources inside the Venezuelan government provided real-time tracking of Maduro’s movements.

Maduro Aboard USS Iwo Jima: Heading to Trial in New York

Following the capture, Maduro and his wife were airlifted by helicopter to the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima.

The vessel is now en route to New York, where Maduro faces federal charges including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption.

Opposition Response: Machado Declares Democratic Transition

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stated that Maduro has been removed from power after rejecting negotiations.

She announced the start of a democratic transition and recognized Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president based on 2024 election results.

María Corina Machado addressing the nation after Maduro’s capture

Edmundo González Urrutia, recognized by opposition as Venezuela’s legitimate president

Celebrations in Caracas and Global Reactions

Thousands poured into the streets of Caracas to celebrate the news. Democratic nations expressed support for the changes, while some authoritarian regimes condemned the operation.