INSIDE TRUMP'S SHOCK RAID ON MADURO

I watched it live – literally like a television show, says the US President

- BY STEPHEN N. R.

People react to the news of the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, after US military actions in Venezuela, in Doral, Florida, Saturday.

(AFP)

US President Donald Trump watched live as American forces seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the dramatic climax of a months-long covert operation that stunned the world.

From deep surveillance in Caracas to images of Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed, US officials have now revealed new details of “Operation Absolute Resolve”, a meticulously planned raid authorised only when conditions aligned.

US intelligence agencies had been monitoring Maduro since August, despite his efforts to change locations as tensions with Washington escalated.