URGENT UPDATE: A U.S. helicopter leading the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was struck during the raid but managed to remain airborne, ensuring the safety of American troops. The incident occurred off the coast of Venezuela, where the MH-47 Chinook was pivotal in the mission that unfolded on July 15, 2025.
According to a New York Times report, the flight leader, who also planned the operation, sustained serious injuries after being hit three times in the leg. Despite this, the helicopter successfully landed, allowing commandos to execute their mission. The aircraft returned safely to the USS Iwo Jima, which was stationed nearby.
Over 80 commandos stormed Maduro’s compound, engaging in a fierce firefight with his security personnel. They managed to breach a door leading to his bedroom, capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as they attempted to escape into a fortified room. Following the operation, fresh helicopters transported the captured individuals back to the USS Iwo Jima while avoiding further hostile fire.
In a statement following the raid, President Donald Trump remarked, “We had a lot of boots on the ground, but it was amazing. And think of it, nobody was killed.” However, reports indicate that the operation resulted in significant casualties on the Venezuelan side. Cuba announced that 32 of its citizens lost their lives during the conflict, many of whom were affiliated with the Cuban Armed Forces. The Cuban government condemned the U.S. actions as “a criminal act of aggression and state terrorism.”
A senior Venezuelan official, speaking anonymously, revealed that the overall death toll could exceed 80 fatalities, which includes military personnel, civilians, and a considerable portion of Maduro’s security team. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello later suggested the death toll might be as high as 100.
The injured flight leader is currently recovering in a Texas hospital, alongside another soldier, while five others treated for their injuries have returned to duty. As global reaction unfolds, the implications of this high-stakes operation remain significant, with many watching closely for further developments.
As the situation evolves, it is crucial to monitor how both U.S. and international communities respond to this unprecedented military action against a sitting president. Further updates are expected as officials continue to assess the aftermath of the raid.
