U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he personally authorized this action, which was a response to "national security threats." The operation was named "Midnight Hammer," and Trump announced that Maduro's power had "ended," with the U.S. intending to temporarily govern the country until a "proper transfer of power."
The editorial team of Kaktus.media has gathered the most important facts known at this time.
- According to the Washington Post, the Pentagon notified Congress of receiving permission from Trump to commence the operation in response to "national security threats."
- The operation involved about 150 aircraft, which struck Venezuelan air defense systems, facilitating the landing of special forces. Trump later noted that the operation "went perfectly."
- According to Trump, a precise model of Maduro's house was built to prepare for the assault.
- Maduro, according to Trump, attempted to hide in a bunker and escape but was "surprised" by the actions of American military forces. During the operation, a shootout occurred, and the capture took only 47 seconds. Trump stated that no American military personnel were harmed.
- As reported by The New York Times, American military forces received assistance from a CIA source within Maduro's circle for his capture, as well as participation from Venezuelan military in the operation.
- The Pentagon reported that Trump ordered the operation to begin on January 2 at 10:46 PM Eastern Time. Special forces took off at 1:01 AM, and at 3:29 AM, a helicopter transported Maduro and Flores to the American aircraft carrier "Iwo Jima."
- Initially, they were taken to a military base in Guantanamo, and then transported to the U.S. by an FBI plane.
- At a press conference, Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Maduro an "illegitimate president" and accused him of leading the "Cartel de los Soles." Maduro and his wife are accused of "narcoterrorism" and other crimes, which were first mentioned back in 2020.
- According to CNN and NBC News, on January 3, an FBI plane transported Maduro and Flores to Stewart Air Force Base in New York. They were then taken to the headquarters of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for biometric data collection, after which they were placed in a detention center in Brooklyn. The White House released a video showing Maduro in handcuffs walking under the guard of DEA agents. They are expected to appear in court in New York on January 5.
- According to a senior Venezuelan official, as reported by The New York Times, 40 people died as a result of the U.S. operation.
- Trump also stated that Maduro's power "has ended," and the U.S. will "govern Venezuela" until a legally correct transfer of power, restoring the oil infrastructure and injecting billions of dollars into the country's economy. He also did not rule out the possibility of a "second wave" of the operation.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that this operation was aimed at ensuring the safety and prosperity of the American people, stating that U.S. adversaries should see that America is capable of "projecting its will at any time and in any place."
- Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that Maduro remains the only legitimate president of the country and condemned the "armed aggression" from the U.S., emphasizing that Venezuela will not become anyone's colony.
- The Venezuelan Supreme Court temporarily appointed Delcy Rodríguez as acting president to ensure continuity of power. Earlier, she addressed the nation surrounded by top officials and security forces.
- Trump also noted that he did not discuss the situation in Venezuela with Russian President Vladimir Putin and does not expect complications in relations with Moscow due to the operation. He also reiterated his warnings to Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
