Lexington, Kentucky, January 4, 2026
The U.S. military has built a life-size replica of Nicolás Maduro’s compound in Kentucky to train Delta Force for capturing the Venezuelan president. Executed under ‘Operation Absolute Resolve,’ the mission successfully apprehended Maduro and his wife, with preparations taking place ahead of the operation. Intelligence from the CIA was crucial in locating Maduro’s movements. Following the capture, the U.S. plans to manage Venezuela until a safe power transition occurs, receiving support from international leaders.
Lexington, Kentucky – U.S. Military Trains for Maduro Capture
LEXINGTON, Kentucky – The United States military constructed a full-scale replica of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s compound in Kentucky to train Delta Force commandos for a mission to capture Maduro. This operation, known as “Operation Absolute Resolve,” was executed in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, resulting in the apprehension of Maduro and his wife. The couple was subsequently transported to the USS Iwo Jima amphibious assault ship in the Caribbean Sea.
Training and Preparation
Prior to the mission, Delta Force commandos underwent extensive training using the replica compound built by the Joint Special Operations Command in Kentucky. They practiced breaching steel doors and other tactical maneuvers to prepare for the operation. The military awaited optimal weather conditions to minimize civilian casualties and maximize the element of surprise.
Intelligence Gathering
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had a team on the ground in Venezuela starting in August, providing valuable insights into Maduro’s movements and routines. Additionally, an asset close to Maduro was monitoring his activities, enabling the U.S. military to pinpoint his exact location during the operation.
Political Reactions
Following the successful operation, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would oversee Venezuela until a safe transition of power is conducted. International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, expressed support for the removal of Maduro’s regime and the potential for a more favorable relationship with Venezuela in the future.
Background Context
Operation Absolute Resolve is one of the most complex U.S. military operations in recent memory, involving detailed planning and coordination between military and intelligence agencies. The mission aimed to remove Maduro from power, addressing concerns over his leadership and its impact on Venezuela and the international community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Operation Absolute Resolve?
Operation Absolute Resolve was a U.S. military mission executed on January 3, 2026, to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation involved extensive training and intelligence gathering to ensure its success.
Where did the U.S. military train for this operation?
The U.S. military constructed a full-scale replica of Maduro’s compound in Kentucky, where Delta Force commandos conducted their training exercises.
How did the CIA contribute to the operation?
The CIA had a team on the ground in Venezuela starting in August, providing insights into Maduro’s movements and routines. Additionally, an asset close to Maduro monitored his activities, aiding in pinpointing his exact location during the operation.
What was the international response to the operation?
Following the successful operation, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would oversee Venezuela until a safe transition of power is conducted. International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, expressed support for the removal of Maduro’s regime and the potential for a more favorable relationship with Venezuela in the future.
What is the significance of this operation?
Operation Absolute Resolve is one of the most complex U.S. military operations in recent memory, involving detailed planning and coordination between military and intelligence agencies. The mission aimed to remove Maduro from power, addressing concerns over his leadership and its impact on Venezuela and the international community.
Key Features of the Operation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Operation Name | Operation Absolute Resolve |
| Mission Objective | Capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife |
| Training Location | Full-scale replica of Maduro’s compound in Kentucky |
| Execution Date | January 3, 2026 |
| Outcome | Successful capture of Maduro and his wife |
| International Response | Support for the removal of Maduro’s regime and potential for improved relations with Venezuela |
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