The secret operation to capture Maduro

The CIA had an asset near Maduro who gave up his location. The CIA built a replica of his safe house to practice the operation

- Reuters

At 4.21am on Saturday (local time), Donald Trump sent a message on his Truth Social platform: the US had carried out a daring mission to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

The action came as a surprise, but according to sources familiar with the matter, planning for one of the most complex US operations in recent memory had been in the works for some time and included detailed rehearsals.

Elite US troops, including the Army’s Delta Force, created an exact replica of Maduro’s safe house and practised how they would enter the strongly fortified residence.

The CIA had a small team on the ground starting in August who were able to provide insight into Maduro’s pattern of life that made grabbing him seamless, according to one source familiar with the matter.

Two other sources said the CIA also had an asset close to Maduro who would monitor his movements and was poised to pinpoint his exact location as the operation unfolded.

Mission delayed by four days due to bad weather

With the pieces in place, Trump approved Operation Absolute Resolve four days ago, but military and intelligence planners suggested he wait for better weather and less cloud cover.