how air strikes paved the way for US Maduro raid

BBC•January 10, 2026•nation

Key Points:

In the early hours of 3 January, over 150 US military aircraft launched a surprise nighttime raid on Caracas, targeting seven sites including the port of La Guaira and Venezuelan air defense systems, in a bid to capture President Nicolás Maduro.
The operation involved bombings, missile strikes, and a ground assault on the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where US troops reportedly seized Maduro after intense fighting; no US casualties were reported.
Venezuelan officials reported at least 100 deaths from the raid, including 23 military personnel and several civilians, with significant destruction seen in key military installations and residential areas.
The raid was conducted under a full moon, an unusual choice for such operations, likely due to target access, and followed months