Charred vehicles, collapsed structures, debris scattered across runways, and buildings visibly damaged. These are the scenes emerging from videos and images circulating on social media, highlighting the extensive destruction in Venezuela's military and airport zones following a U.S. operation that ended with the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro.
Details of the incident have been pieced together from various sources. As reported by Europa Press, the Venezuelan government accused the United States of attacks in the early morning hours targeting Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Meanwhile, capital residents recounted hearing explosions, witnessing aircraft overhead, and sensing a palpable atmosphere of alarm.
Social media and local reports described detonations in areas such as El Valle, Los Próceres, La Pastora, 23 de Enero, and zones near La Carlota, a crucial military site in the city.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro was among the first regional leaders to provide specific locations, stating that Caracas was subjected to missile bombardment and urging the UN and OAS to convene "immediately."
The list he released included highly sensitive sites: Fuerte Tiuna, the Federal Legislative Palace, Cuartel de la Montaña, Hatillo Airport, an F16 N3 base in Barquisimeto, a private airport in Charallave, and the Higuerote helicopter military base, in addition to reports from downtown Caracas.
Petro also mentioned power outages in southern parts of the capital and areas like Santa Mónica, Los Teques, and 23 de Enero.
Simultaneously, EFE agency reported fires and damage at the fence of the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase (La Carlota), along with destruction on the adjacent highway and the presence of military personnel and vehicles surrounding the area, consistent with images showing debris and damage to nearby infrastructure.
Footage purportedly from Higuerote (Miranda) reveals destroyed military equipment, burned vehicles, and what is described as a damaged Buk-M2E anti-aircraft system, alongside signs of damage to airport infrastructure.
Other clips depict aircraft reduced to scrap and severely damaged buildings, reinforcing the notion that strategic installations were hit.
In the United States, the official narrative framed the mission as meticulously planned. During a Mar-a-Lago conference with Trump, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman General Dan Caine stated the operation, named "Absolute Resolution," was the culmination of "months of planning and rehearsal," supported by real-time aerial and ground intelligence.
Within this context, the intense surveillance of Maduro's routines and movements was highlighted.
Caine confirmed an aircraft was hit during the mission but remained operational, and mentioned self-defense confrontations during the withdrawal.
Trump, meanwhile, claimed he monitored the operation "in real time," describing it as incredibly complex, involving dozens of planes, helicopters, and jets, and asserted that Maduro was swiftly captured without any fatalities among the forces involved, though some injuries occurred.
Insights into the U.S. Operation in Venezuela
What were the main targets during the operation in Venezuela?
The operation targeted key military and strategic locations in Caracas and surrounding areas, including Fuerte Tiuna, the Federal Legislative Palace, Cuartel de la Montaña, Hatillo Airport, and the Higuerote helicopter military base.
How was the operation against Maduro planned?
The operation, named "Absolute Resolution," was the result of months of meticulous planning and rehearsal, involving real-time aerial and ground intelligence support.
Were there any casualties during the capture of Maduro?
According to official statements, Maduro was captured swiftly without any fatalities among the participating forces, although there were some injuries reported.