Unfolding Events in Venezuela: The Capture of Maduro and the Aftermath
By Natasha Bertrand, Zachary Cohen, Jennifer Hansler, CNN
In a dramatic turn of events, Trump administration officials recently briefed lawmakers about the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Sources connected to the briefing revealed that both Maduro and Flores sustained injuries while attempting to evade arrest by U.S. forces. As they fled, they hit their heads against a low door frame within their compound, resulting in notable injuries.
The Escape Attempt
Maduro and Flores tried to conceal themselves behind a heavy steel door as U.S. forces closed in, but their escape plan backfired. The door’s frame, being unusually low, tragically led to both individuals injuring themselves. Following their apprehension by Delta Force operators, the couple was given immediate medical attention after being extracted from their compound. The chaotic nature of the escape underscores the perilous situation they found themselves in.
Courtroom Appearance
In a recent courtroom appearance, both Maduro and Flores displayed visible signs of their injuries. Flores’ attorney detailed that she had sustained "significant injuries" during the abduction, suggesting the possibility of rib fractures or severe bruising. Observations from the court indicated that Flores struggled to maintain her balance, while Maduro had difficulties standing and sitting, raising concerns about their overall health. Sketches from the courtroom depicted Flores with bandages, dramatizing the gravity of their situation.
Delta Force Injuries
Interestingly, it wasn’t only Maduro and Flores who faced injuries during this operation. Some Delta Force operators also suffered injuries due to a fierce firefight with a Cuban quick reaction force positioned nearby. Fortunately, the injuries suffered by U.S. troops were not life-threatening, and officials expressed confidence in their expected recovery.
The Operational Scale
The operation in Caracas involved a substantial deployment of around 200 U.S. personnel. During the briefing, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the scale and complexity of the mission. However, there was uncertainty regarding the exact number of Venezuelan or Cuban casualties resulting from the intense firefight. Preliminary reports from the Cuban government indicated that 32 military and police officers lost their lives, but other officials hinted that the true toll could be higher.
Not a Regime Change Strategy
Despite the turbulent circumstances surrounding Maduro’s capture, officials have asserted that it was not intended as a regime change operation. The Venezuelan government remains intact, with Deputy President Delcy Rodriguez now at the helm. This strategic outlook, articulated by various administration officials, is rooted in the belief that Rodriguez represents a more pragmatic leadership option.
Engagement with Venezuela’s Leadership
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, emphasized that the administration views Rodriguez as an ally with whom they can collaborate. Behind closed doors, discussions have taken place for months to encourage behavioral changes within her administration, rather than a direct overthrow of Maduro. There are hopes that her role as oil minister could lead to future cooperation with American companies in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
The Road Ahead
While the situation remains fluid, the White House communicates its future expectations surrounding U.S. pressure aimed at influencing Venezuelan leadership decisions. The administration maintains a firm stance without formal agreements but with a clear goal of leveraging ongoing diplomatic discussions to promote local stability.
This narrative surrounding Maduro’s arrest reveals a complex web of political maneuvering and international involvement, setting the stage for potential shifts in Venezuelan governance and U.S.-Venezuela relations.