Speedrunning Venezuela in Hours! How Did the U.S. Military Capture Maduro?

On January 3, 2026, a statement from U.S. President Trump shocked the world. Shortly after 4:30 AM Eastern Time, he posted on the "Truth Social" platform, announcing: "The United States has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leaders. Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been captured and airlifted out of the country. This operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies."This meticulously planned cross-border military operation, from the first explosion to Maduro being escorted onto a U.S. amphibious assault ship, took only 1 hour and 39 minutes, making it a textbook example of a "fast-in, fast-out" special operation.On January 3, 2026, a statement from U.S. President Trump shocked the world. Shortly after 4:30 AM Eastern Time, he posted on the "Truth Social" platform, announcing: "The United States has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leaders. Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been captured and airlifted out of the country. This operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies."This meticulously planned cross-border military operation, from the first explosion to Maduro being escorted onto a U.S. amphibious assault ship, took only 1 hour and 39 minutes, making it a textbook example of a "fast-in, fast-out" special operation.

I. The Entire Operation: A Lightning Raid in Hours and Minutes

Air Raid Commences: Firepower Suppression Under the Cover of Night

In the early hours of the morning on [date], the operation officially commenced. At that time, multiple military aircraft, including F-35 "Lightning," F-22 "Raptor," F/A-18 "Super Hornet" fighter jets, and EA-18G "Growler" electronic warfare aircraft, took off from the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and several airports in Puerto Rico. Under the cover of darkness, they headed toward Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, and launched a large-scale airstrike against key targets in and around the Venezuelan capital.

Three-Dimensional Penetration: Special Forces Strike at the Core.

At the same time that explosions were heard in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, AH-1Z "Viper" attack helicopters from the U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit, V-22 "Osprey" tiltrotor aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, and UH-60 "Black Hawk" and CH-47 "Chinook" transport helicopters from the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers) took off in sequence from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima. On board were the U.S. Army's most elite Delta Force special operations unit and the 75th Ranger Regiment.

To evade potential radar detection, the helicopter fleet flew at an altitude of 30 meters, skimming the sea surface, deployed in combat formation, and headed straight for Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.Amidst the flames and explosions of the first round of airstrikes, U.S. military helicopters had already appeared brazenly over Caracas, as if entering unopposed territory.To evade potential radar detection, the helicopter fleet flew at an altitude of 30 meters, skimming the sea surface, deployed in combat formation, and headed straight for Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.Amidst the flames and explosions of the first round of airstrikes, U.S. military helicopters had already appeared brazenly over Caracas, as if entering unopposed territory.

Chaos and Capture: The Core Objectives in Blitzkrieg

Amid the threat of airstrikes, the situation in Caracas descended into chaos. Military armored vehicles took to the streets to maintain order, while government officials began relocating under military escort. The government issued a statement declaring a state of emergency and condemning the United States for its acts of aggression. Soon after, small-scale riots were quelled, and aside from the destruction of some military bases and a few civilian casualties, the situation appeared to return to normal. However, a critical question emerged: no one knew the whereabouts of Maduro.

Before the Venezuelan government and the people of the world could digest this sudden invasion, at 5:21 AM, U.S. President Trump proudly announced on the "Truth Social" platform: The U.S. military has successfully captured Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife, and transported them out of Venezuela by plane.Before the Venezuelan government and the people of the world could digest this sudden invasion, at 5:21 AM, U.S. President Trump proudly announced on the "Truth Social" platform: The U.S. military has successfully captured Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife, and transported them out of Venezuela by plane.

I. Background of the Action: Months of meticulous preparation and sustained pressure.

Initial military strikes and military buildup.

This operation marks a sharp escalation of the months-long tense standoff between the United States and Venezuela, evolving into direct military intervention. This military action followed months of meticulous preparation by the United States. Since September 2025, the U.S. military began launching a series of lethal strikes against vessels suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific. As of January 2, 2026, the strikes had reached 35 incidents, resulting in at least 115 deaths. These actions were described by the Trump administration as an "armed conflict" against "narco-terrorism," aimed at curbing the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. **This operation marks a sharp escalation of the months-long tense standoff between the United States and Venezuela, evolving into direct military intervention.** This military action followed months of meticulous preparation by the United States. Since September 2025, the U.S. military began launching a series of lethal strikes against vessels suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific. As of January 2, 2026, the strikes had reached 35 incidents, resulting in at least 115 deaths. These actions were described by the Trump administration as an "armed conflict" against "narco-terrorism," aimed at curbing the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.

Meanwhile, the United States conducted a large-scale military buildup in the waters surrounding Venezuela, assembling approximately 15,000 U.S. military personnel. The naval fleet included about 11 vessels such as the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, multiple missile destroyers and cruisers, and the USS Iwo Jima amphibious assault ship. Dozens of fighter jets, including F-35s, were deployed in Puerto Rico, and aviation assets such as CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and C-17 transport planes were dispatched to the region. Meanwhile, the United States conducted a large-scale military buildup in the waters surrounding Venezuela, assembling approximately 15,000 U.S. military personnel. The naval fleet included about 11 vessels such as the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, multiple missile destroyers and cruisers, and the USS Iwo Jima amphibious assault ship. Dozens of fighter jets, including F-35s, were deployed in Puerto Rico, and aviation assets such as CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and C-17 transport planes were dispatched to the region.

Economic blockade and public threats.

The United States has been continuously exerting pressure on Venezuela, seizing two oil tankers near the Venezuelan coast on December 10 and December 20, 2025, and announcing a "comprehensive and thorough blockade" on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, aiming to cut off a crucial revenue source for the Maduro government. President Trump himself has repeatedly publicly threatened to escalate attacks, stating on December 2, 2025, that "we will also begin soon" strikes on land-based targets, and on December 22, saying it would be "wise" for Maduro to step down voluntarily. The United States has been continuously exerting pressure on Venezuela, seizing two oil tankers near the Venezuelan coast on December 10 and December 20, 2025, and announcing a "comprehensive and thorough blockade" on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, aiming to cut off a crucial revenue source for the Maduro government. President Trump himself has repeatedly publicly threatened to escalate attacks, stating on December 2, 2025, that "we will also begin soon" strikes on land-based targets, and on December 22, saying it would be "wise" for Maduro to step down voluntarily.

In late December 2025, Trump announced that U.S. forces had struck and destroyed a "dock area" or "large facility" off the coast of Venezuela, which was accused of being used for drug loading. This drone strike, carried out by the Central Intelligence Agency, was the first known direct action against Venezuelan territory since September. Trump formally approved the land strike plan a few days before the attack. Military officials had considered executing the mission on Christmas Day but postponed it due to weather and other operational priorities, ultimately choosing the early hours of January 3, 2026. Although the lunar phase approaching a full moon was unfavorable for the infiltration of special operations helicopters, the need to capture the high-value target Maduro outweighed concealment considerations. In late December 2025, Trump announced that U.S. forces had struck and destroyed a "dock area" or "large facility" off the coast of Venezuela, which was accused of being used for drug loading. This drone strike, carried out by the Central Intelligence Agency, was the first known direct action against Venezuelan territory since September. Trump formally approved the land strike plan a few days before the attack. Military officials had considered executing the mission on Christmas Day but postponed it due to weather and other operational priorities, ultimately choosing the early hours of January 3, 2026. Although the lunar phase approaching a full moon was unfavorable for the infiltration of special operations helicopters, the need to capture the high-value target Maduro outweighed concealment considerations.

II. Core Question One: Why was the U.S. military not effectively intercepted by air defense systems?

Venezuelan Air Defense Equipment: Seemingly Powerful, Yet Paralyzed.

The Venezuelan military appears to possess advanced air defense weapons such as MiG- and Su- fighter jets, S- and Buk missiles, as well as various radars including -, -, and -. However, in reality, the operational readiness of this equipment is at a highly questionable level.

Although these equipment are considered top-tier in Latin America, most of them were purchased around 2010 when Venezuela's economic situation was still favorable. Subsequently, due to the continuous economic downturn, military spending has been insufficient to support the long-term combat readiness and service of advanced weaponry. They cannot afford spare parts for aircraft and radars, and cannot even power them on, let alone engage in combat. Although these equipment are considered top-tier in Latin America, most of them were purchased around 2010 when Venezuela's economic situation was still favorable. Subsequently, due to the continuous economic downturn, military spending has been insufficient to support the long-term combat readiness and service of advanced weaponry. They cannot afford spare parts for aircraft and radars, and cannot even power them on, let alone engage in combat.

In a 2020 report, Jane's Defence Weekly noted that due to a shortage of spare parts, most of Venezuela's - and - radars had ceased operations. The - air defense missile systems procured from Russia were unable to function properly, with only a few Buk missile systems remaining deployed near Caracas. In terms of fighter aircraft, only a handful of early-version - jets were capable of normal takeoff, while the serviceability rate of the Su- was even worse.

More importantly, the first wave of U.S. airstrikes targeted Venezuelan military bases, particularly air defense weapon systems, destroying at least one "Buk" M2E air defense missile system. Coupled with the large-scale electromagnetic interference from EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, the Venezuelan military was completely unable to cope with an assault of this magnitude. More importantly, the first wave of U.S. airstrikes targeted Venezuelan military bases, particularly air defense weapon systems, destroying at least one "Buk" M2E air defense missile system. Coupled with the large-scale electromagnetic interference from EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, the Venezuelan military was completely unable to cope with an assault of this magnitude.

Portable Air Defense Missiles: Why Did They Fail to Deliver?

Some have questioned why the Venezuelan military, equipped with over a thousand Igla portable air defense missiles—which, while ineffective against F-35s and F-22s, pose a significant threat to helicopters—have not been used. One viewpoint suggests that the U.S. military had previously infiltrated and turned the military, but this claim is difficult to substantiate.

First, portable anti-aircraft missiles are easy to operate and available in large quantities, making it nearly impossible to control all missiles and their operators comprehensively. Second, the risk of leaks is extremely high when attempting to bribe military personnel on a large scale. Even a single soldier loyal to Maduro could expose the operation, causing it to fail completely.

The real reason is that the U.S. military's operational speed far exceeded the reaction speed of the Venezuelan military: Almost simultaneously with the explosions, the helicopter fleet had already reached the airspace over Caracas. The accompanying attack helicopters used night vision and targeting systems to eliminate any remaining air defense threats. The low-flying helicopter fleet crossed over the city in a short period of time. At this moment, the Venezuelan military was plunged into chaos following the airstrike, with its command chain likely completely severed. Furthermore, the attack occurred late at night on a weekend, with most key personnel on leave, which further exacerbated the confusion. By the time the military could react, the U.S. operation was essentially over.The real reason is that the U.S. military's operational speed far exceeded the reaction speed of the Venezuelan military: Almost simultaneously with the explosions, the helicopter fleet had already reached the airspace over Caracas. The accompanying attack helicopters used night vision and targeting systems to eliminate any remaining air defense threats. The low-flying helicopter fleet crossed over the city in a short period of time. At this moment, the Venezuelan military was plunged into chaos following the airstrike, with its command chain likely completely severed. Furthermore, the attack occurred late at night on a weekend, with most key personnel on leave, which further exacerbated the confusion. By the time the military could react, the U.S. operation was essentially over.

The Countermeasure Capabilities of U.S. Military Helicopters: Protection by Directed Infrared Countermeasures Systems

Even if individual soldiers were to use portable air defense missiles to attack, the likelihood of shooting down a U.S. military helicopter is extremely low. In this operation, the main force of the U.S. military’s air assault was the "Night Stalkers" of the Special Operations Aviation Regiment. This unit specializes in nighttime low-altitude attacks behind enemy lines, and its equipped CH-47 Chinook helicopters have been specially modified with exhaust deflectors, infrared warning systems, and the AN/ALQ-212 directional infrared countermeasures system.

The AN/AAQ-24 Directional Infrared Countermeasures System is the core protective equipment. It can detect approaching missiles and emit lasers towards the missile's infrared seeker, interfering with or even burning out the seeker, causing the missile to deviate from its target. The "Igla"-S missile, however, is equipment from 25 years ago. It performs very poorly against such advanced countermeasure systems, and the U.S. military has a thorough understanding of its capabilities, with countermeasure equipment specifically designed to target it. Unless multiple positions launch several missiles in an organized salvo, it is difficult to inflict effective damage.The AN/AAQ-24 Directional Infrared Countermeasures System is the core protective equipment. It can detect approaching missiles and emit lasers towards the missile's infrared seeker, interfering with or even burning out the seeker, causing the missile to deviate from its target. The "Igla"-S missile, however, is equipment from 25 years ago. It performs very poorly against such advanced countermeasure systems, and the U.S. military has a thorough understanding of its capabilities, with countermeasure equipment specifically designed to target it. Unless multiple positions launch several missiles in an organized salvo, it is difficult to inflict effective damage.

At a press conference, Trump confirmed that a U.S. military helicopter was hit by anti-aircraft fire, resulting in injuries but not crashing. This indirectly suggests that the Venezuelan military may have launched an attack but failed to penetrate the U.S. military's defense system.

III. Core Question Two: Why was the U.S. military able to quickly capture Maduro?

Preliminary Preparation: Intelligence Infiltration and Simulation Exercises

The professionalism of U.S. Special Operations Forces is exceptionally high. Months before the attack was launched, they had already meticulously tracked Maduro’s whereabouts, daily routines, and behavioral patterns through espionage threats, drone reconnaissance, and insider infiltration. Based on this intelligence, the U.S. military constructed a simulated replica of Maduro’s residence, complete with detailed reproductions of safe rooms, for the Delta Force to repeatedly rehearse—a standard practice for U.S. Special Forces, as seen in the mission to hunt down Osama bin Laden, where the same strategy was employed.

Geography and Intelligence Support: Accurate Targeting and Real-Time Monitoring

Venezuela has a vast territory, but the southern region is mostly tropical rainforest, with cities concentrated in the northern coastal areas, including the capital Caracas. The U.S. military only needs to briefly control the airspace over Caracas to complete the mission and withdraw, leaving Venezuela with extremely short reaction time. Prior to the operation, the U.S. military also deployed RQ-170 "Sentinel" drones stationed in Puerto Rico to enter Venezuelan airspace, conducting close surveillance on Maduro. Combined with spy intelligence, this ensured the accuracy of the information. Venezuela has a vast territory, but the southern region is mostly tropical rainforest, with cities concentrated in the northern coastal areas, including the capital Caracas. The U.S. military only needs to briefly control the airspace over Caracas to complete the mission and withdraw, leaving Venezuela with extremely short reaction time. Prior to the operation, the U.S. military also deployed RQ-170 "Sentinel" drones stationed in Puerto Rico to enter Venezuelan airspace, conducting close surveillance on Maduro. Combined with spy intelligence, this ensured the accuracy of the information.

It is noteworthy that the RQ-170 was captured and reverse-engineered by Iran as early as 2011, with its signal characteristics and operational principles no longer being secrets. Additionally, given the close military cooperation between Venezuela and Iran, Venezuela theoretically could have access to countermeasures technology. However, the fact that the Venezuelan military remains unable to address this issue reflects its limited military capabilities.

Tactical Coordination: Main Assault with Supportive Backup

To prepare for contingencies, the U.S. military adopted a coordinated "main force + support" configuration: in addition to Delta Force boarding MH-60 helicopters to carry out capture missions, the 75th Ranger Regiment accompanied the fleet on V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. In the event of a ground operation failure by Delta Force or a helicopter crash, the Rangers would immediately provide support.

The entire capture operation was precise and efficient: the airstrike commenced at 00:00, and U.S. military helicopters arrived at Maduro's residence at 00:00 (taking only minutes). After a brief exchange of fire, Delta Force eliminated the entire guard unit and captured the Maduro couple before they could enter the safe room. At 00:00, the helicopter fleet safely returned to the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, completing the entire operation in just 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Venezuela's Negligence: Lack of Vigilance and Misjudgment of the Situation

During the years of Maduro's rule, he has established a strong foundation of governance, making it difficult for the U.S. military to directly destabilize his regime by bribing insiders. This also indicates that the core of this operation is not "led by internal agents," but rather stems from serious negligence within the Venezuelan government and military.

Prior to the operation, the U.S. military had been conducting months of military buildup in the Caribbean: mobilizing carrier strike groups and amphibious readiness groups, deploying advanced equipment such as the F-22 and F-35, conducting joint military exercises with Trinidad and Tobago, intercepting Venezuelan vessels, and reactivating abandoned military bases in Puerto Rico—all clear signals of military action. However, Maduro showed no sense of crisis, neither moving into heavily fortified bunkers or safe houses nor altering his routine. The guards defending his residence lacked heavy weaponry and would have been no match for Delta Force.

It is speculated that Venezuela might have anticipated U.S. military airstrikes on military targets, but misjudged that the U.S. military would not deploy ground troops and was even less capable of overthrowing the regime through military action, thus failing to make effective preparations, ultimately giving the U.S. military an opportunity to exploit. It is speculated that Venezuela might have anticipated U.S. military airstrikes on military targets, but misjudged that the U.S. military would not deploy ground troops and was even less capable of overthrowing the regime through military action, thus failing to make effective preparations, ultimately giving the U.S. military an opportunity to exploit.

IV. Action Summary: The Adventure and Enlightenment of "Quick In, Quick Out"

Overall, the U.S. military's military operations against Venezuela have drawn lessons from the invasions of Grenada and Panama in the 1980s, as well as the Gulf War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They adopted the tactic of "using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, fast in and fast out": paralyzing the opponent's command and defense capabilities in a short time, deploying special forces to execute core tasks and then quickly withdrawing, leaving no opportunity for the opponent to counterattack. Overall, the U.S. military's military operations against Venezuela have drawn lessons from the invasions of Grenada and Panama in the 1980s, as well as the Gulf War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They adopted the tactic of "using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, fast in and fast out": paralyzing the opponent's command and defense capabilities in a short time, deploying special forces to execute core tasks and then quickly withdrawing, leaving no opportunity for the opponent to counterattack.

It is important to note that this operation is a dangerous military adventure. If Venezuela had been prepared in advance or received an early warning, the Delta Force could have suffered heavy losses, potentially even leading to a "Black Hawk Down"-style disaster, causing the United States to lose face internationally. However, it must be admitted that, given Venezuela's military capabilities and the balance of power in the Latin American region, it would indeed be difficult to confront the U.S. military. It is important to note that this operation is a dangerous military adventure. If Venezuela had been prepared in advance or received an early warning, the Delta Force could have suffered heavy losses, potentially even leading to a "Black Hawk Down"-style disaster, causing the United States to lose face internationally. However, it must be admitted that, given Venezuela's military capabilities and the balance of power in the Latin American region, it would indeed be difficult to confront the U.S. military.

V. Action Impact: Geopolitical Shocks and International Controversies

The U.S. military's direct attack on Venezuela and the capture of its president have fundamentally altered Venezuela's political landscape, sparking intense international controversy. This cross-border military capture operation, conducted without authorization from the United Nations Security Council or the consent of the target country, severely undermines the principles of sovereign equality among nations and non-interference in internal affairs, reflecting the consistent approach of the United States, which allows it to accuse and unilaterally designate based on its own domestic laws, and to carry out "cross-border law enforcement" or regime change actions against leaders of sovereign states, thereby exacerbating strategic instability on a global scale. The U.S. military's direct attack on Venezuela and the capture of its president have fundamentally altered Venezuela's political landscape, sparking intense international controversy. This cross-border military capture operation, conducted without authorization from the United Nations Security Council or the consent of the target country, severely undermines the principles of sovereign equality among nations and non-interference in internal affairs, reflecting the consistent approach of the United States, which allows it to accuse and unilaterally designate based on its own domestic laws, and to carry out "cross-border law enforcement" or regime change actions against leaders of sovereign states, thereby exacerbating strategic instability on a global scale.

While the direct military intervention by the United States may have removed what it deems an "illegal regime" in the short term, it is highly likely to sow the seeds of long-term instability in Latin America: Venezuela may face a difficult power transition process, potentially triggering factional conflicts or low-intensity civil war, refugee crises that fuel anti-American sentiment, and the rise of extremism, among other issues. Furthermore, the U.S. President's unilateral action bypassing Congress has sparked constitutional and legal controversies, with bipartisan members of Congress raising serious concerns about Trump launching such a large-scale military operation without authorization under the Authorization for Use of Military Force. This attack undoubtedly sets an extremely dangerous precedent for international relations in the 21st century. While the direct military intervention by the United States may have removed what it deems an "illegal regime" in the short term, it is highly likely to sow the seeds of long-term instability in Latin America: Venezuela may face a difficult power transition process, potentially triggering factional conflicts or low-intensity civil war, refugee crises that fuel anti-American sentiment, and the rise of extremism, among other issues. Furthermore, the U.S. President's unilateral action bypassing Congress has sparked constitutional and legal controversies, with bipartisan members of Congress raising serious concerns about Trump launching such a large-scale military operation without authorization under the Authorization for Use of Military Force. This attack undoubtedly sets an extremely dangerous precedent for international relations in the 21st century.