US Claims Secret Operation in Venezuela as Questions Grow Over Details
The United States has claimed it carried out a covert operation in Venezuela aimed at detaining President Nicolás Maduro, according to statements and media reports citing former US President Donald Trump. The claims, which include descriptions of months-long preparation and a rapid execution, have not been independently verified, and Venezuelan authorities have not issued an official confirmation.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump said a mission had been launched to take Maduro and his wife into custody. He did not provide documentary evidence or operational records, and US agencies have not released formal briefings detailing the action.
Months of Preparation Alleged
According to reports attributed to US intelligence sources, planning for the mission began several months earlier. These accounts say American agencies closely monitored Maduro’s movements and routines during that period. Analysts note that such claims are difficult to verify and are typically disclosed only after official reviews.
The reports further allege that US special forces rehearsed scenarios using replica layouts of secure locations associated with Maduro. No independent confirmation has been provided, and US defense officials have not publicly acknowledged such preparations.
Authorization and Timing
Media reports citing unnamed officials claim final authorization for the operation was granted only days before it took place. The accounts say the decision followed assessments of weather and regional conditions.
Trump was reportedly in Florida at the time, where he is said to have followed developments as they unfolded. The White House has not released a contemporaneous statement confirming these details.
Operation Name and Scope
The mission has been referred to in reports as “Operation Absolute Resolve.” According to the same accounts, the operation was completed within hours, with US forces entering Venezuelan airspace and exiting shortly after.
These descriptions include references to significant military assets positioned in the Caribbean region. Defense experts caution that such figures are often exaggerated in early reporting and should be treated with caution until confirmed by official sources.
Alleged Military Presence
Some reports claim that US forces had deployed naval vessels and aircraft in the wider region ahead of the mission. They also allege that multiple aircraft were used to support the operation.
The US Department of Defense has not publicly confirmed the scale or composition of any deployment related to Venezuela, and no independent satellite or official data has been released to substantiate the claims.
Limited Circle of Awareness
According to reports, knowledge of the operation was restricted to a small group of senior officials. Names cited include figures associated with national security and intelligence roles at the time. These claims have not been corroborated by public records or official statements.
Experts say it is common for sensitive operations, if they occur, to be known only to a limited number of officials, though such assertions typically require later confirmation.
Unanswered Questions and Global Reaction
The claims have drawn international attention and skepticism, with observers questioning the absence of independent verification and the lack of statements from Caracas. Venezuela has previously accused Washington of attempting to undermine its leadership for strategic and economic reasons, including access to energy resources.
Diplomatic analysts say the situation underscores the need for verified information and transparency, warning that unconfirmed reports of major military actions can heighten tensions and fuel misinformation.
For now, the full picture remains unclear. Until official documentation or confirmation emerges from both sides, analysts say the reported operation should be viewed cautiously as claims rather than established fact.