The U.S. launched airstrikes in Venezuela during a covert operation aimed at capturing President Nicolás Maduro, with new satellite images revealing extensive damage at the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in southern Caracas.
Imagery taken Saturday by U.S. spatial intelligence firm Vantor shows destroyed buildings, damaged military storage facilities, vehicles, and security posts inside Fuerte Tiuna, one of Venezuela’s most critical military installations and a key target of the mission.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the operation involved a highly coordinated overnight raid, with U.S. aircraft striking air defenses to allow apprehension forces to reach Maduro’s compound.
U.S. officials said Maduro and his wife were taken into custody under heavy fire and later transferred to a U.S. Navy vessel before being flown to New York to face drug-related charges.
Venezuela condemned the strikes, accusing the U.S. of hitting both military and civilian areas, as videos circulated showing explosions and helicopters over Caracas. While several U.S. personnel were injured, Washington said there were no fatalities and no equipment losses.
The mission, called Operation Absolute Resolve, followed months of rising tensions, U.S. naval pressure in the region, and sanctions enforcement. It marks a major escalation in U.S. action against the Maduro government and has drawn mixed reactions globally, with some allies criticizing the move and many U.S. Republicans backing it. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Congress was informed only after the operation concluded.