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How Maduro’s capture went down – a military strategist explains what goes into a successful special op

  • Written by R. Evan Ellis, Senior Associate, Americas Program, The Center for Strategic and International Studies
imageU.S. military fighter jets sit on the tarmac at José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Puerto Rico, on Jan. 3, 2026.Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP via Getty Images

The predawn seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3, 2026 was a complicated affair. It was also, operationally, a resounding success for the U.S. military.

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