Consider This from NPR U.S. will run Venezuela after military seized Maduro, President Trump says
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Jan 3, 2026 
This discussion features Tom Bowman, NPR’s Pentagon correspondent, who brings insights on the U.S. military operation that led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. Greg Myrie, an NPR national security correspondent, dives into the legal implications of the raid. They cover how U.S. intelligence tracked Maduro, the complexities of running Venezuela post-operation, and the potential Venezuelan military and public response. The episode also highlights the challenges of rebuilding Venezuela's oil infrastructure and the broader geopolitical ramifications.
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Fast, High-Intensity Capture Operation
- U.S. forces executed a rapid, large-scale operation that disabled Venezuela's air defenses and seized Nicolás Maduro in about two and a half hours.
- The raid used 150 aircraft and a Delta Force helicopter insertion, showing high-intensity special operations planning.
Delta Force Raid On Maduro's Residence
- Tom Bowman described how Delta Force entered Maduro's house via low-flying helicopters and moved him to the USS Iwo Jima.
- He said there was little gunfire until helicopters departed, and no U.S. casualties reported.
Comprehensive Intelligence And Preparation
- U.S. intelligence used a 'pattern of life' approach combining human sources, NSA intercepts, and satellite imagery to track Maduro.
- Officials also built a mock-up of his house and trained on it, mirroring methods used in past high-profile raids.