BREAKING: A U.S. helicopter was struck during a high-stakes operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but remarkably, it remained airborne, ensuring the safety of U.S. troops. According to a new report from The New York Times, the incident involved a twin-rotor MH-47 Chinook helicopter, which was vital to the mission’s success.
The flight leader, who also orchestrated the raid and piloted the aircraft, sustained three leg injuries but managed to navigate the helicopter to safety. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasized the critical nature of the helicopter’s performance, stating, “Failure of one component of this well-oiled machine would have endangered the entire mission.”
After executing the operation, which took place on October 2023, the commandos successfully landed back on the USS Iwo Jima stationed off the Venezuelan coast, avoiding further hostile fire. Over 80 commandos infiltrated Maduro’s compound, engaging in a firefight with his security team before capturing both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as they attempted to escape into a fortified room.
Following the operation, the helicopter returned to the USS Iwo Jima, successfully transporting the commandos and captives while dodging enemy fire. The flight leader is currently recovering at a hospital in Texas, alongside another injured soldier, while five others have returned to duty after treatment.
The fallout from the raid has been severe, with Cuba reporting that 32 of its nationals were killed during the operation, which they described as a “criminal act of aggression.” In a statement, Havana honored its fallen soldiers, emphasizing their heroic resistance against the attackers. Meanwhile, a senior Venezuelan official disclosed to The New York Times that the total death toll may exceed 80, including military personnel and civilians, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello estimating the number closer to 100.
In a press conference, President Donald Trump praised the operation, noting, “We had a lot of boots on the ground, but it was amazing. And think of it, nobody was killed.” He also expressed sorrow over the losses on the other side, particularly highlighting the fatalities among Cuban operatives.
As the situation unfolds, international reactions are likely to escalate. Analysts are monitoring the implications of this operation on U.S.-Venezuela relations and the broader geopolitical landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
