UPDATE: A U.S. military helicopter was struck during a high-stakes operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, yet remarkably managed to stay airborne, according to a new report by The New York Times. The incident, which occurred off the Venezuelan coast, underscores the intense and dangerous nature of the mission.
The helicopter, identified as a twin-rotor MH-47 Chinook, was piloted by the mission’s flight leader who sustained serious leg injuries but successfully navigated the aircraft back to safety on the USS Iwo Jima. This critical operation, which took place earlier today, involved more than 80 commandos storming Maduro’s compound after a fierce firefight with his security detail.
In a dramatic turn of events, the commandos managed to breach a door leading to Maduro’s bedroom, capturing him and his wife, Cilia Flores, just as they attempted to retreat into a fortified area. Following the capture, fresh helicopters were dispatched to ensure the safe return of the commandos and the detainees, all while navigating hostile fire.
The flight leader, whose identity remains undisclosed for security reasons, is currently recovering in a Texas hospital. Another soldier was also injured in the operation, and five others received treatment but have since returned to duty. President Donald Trump addressed the raid, stating, “We had a lot of boots on the ground, but it was amazing. And think of it, nobody was killed.”
However, the operation has drawn serious backlash from Cuba, which reported that 32 of its citizens lost their lives during the raid while carrying out missions for the Cuban Armed Forces. Havana condemned the U.S. actions as “criminal aggression” and vowed to honor the fallen. A senior Venezuelan official disclosed that the death toll could be as high as 80, including military personnel, civilians, and members of Maduro’s security team, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello estimating the figure at nearly 100.
The ramifications of this operation are profound, not only for U.S.-Venezuela relations but also for international diplomatic dynamics. As details continue to emerge, the global community watches closely to see how this bold move will influence future engagements in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities assess the situation and its implications for both U.S. foreign policy and regional stability.
