U.S. Captures Venezuelan Leader in 150-Plane Night Raid

The United States seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a dramatic military operation early Saturday. The action, which lasted just two hours and 28 minutes, now leaves Venezuela's future uncertain. U.S. forces used at least 150 aircraft in the raid, which followed months of secret planning. American intelligence agencies began studying Maduro's habits—known as his "pattern of life"—as early as August. A senior U.S. general said the goal was to understand everything about Maduro's routine, including his travel, security, and personal details. Reports also suggest U.S. intelligence had a spy within the Venezuelan government. The capture represents a major show of military force and plunges the nation of 30 million people into a leadership crisis.