Aftermath of U.S. Airstrikes on Caracas: Satellite Images Emerge

Satellite images of sites struck by U.S. aircraft during Operation “Absolute Resolve,” aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, were published online.

Business Insider military correspondent Jake Epstein published the photos on social media platform X.

Satellite imagery from the company Vantor documented the results of a massive U.S. airstrike on a key Venezuelan military facility – the Fuerte Tiuna complex.

U.S. forces dealt a serious blow to areas housing strategic buildings, including the Ministry of Defense and the highest military command bodies of the Maduro regime.

The satellite images confirmed the complete destruction of warehouse facilities and guard posts at the base’s entrances. The footage also confirmed the destruction of military equipment and vehicles, including air defense systems.

The destroyed targets include a Buk-M2EK surface-to-air missile system, destroyed by U.S. aviation on the territory of La Carlota air base.

According to the media’s correspondent, the active phase of the operation began late in the evening on Friday, January 2, 2025, and lasted until the morning of the following day.

Overall, the United States deployed fighter aircraft, reconnaissance aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and U.S. Air Force strategic bombers.

The priority fire suppression of Venezuela’s air defense assets, in particular the Buk-M2EK surface-to-air missile system at La Carlota air base, made it possible to carry out the second phase of the mission.

The suppression of enemy air defenses cleared the airspace for the use of helicopter groups. This enabled the landing of assault units directly in the fortified area and the successful capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

High coordination between different branches of the armed forces and electronic warfare assets allowed U.S. forces to completely paralyze the resistance of the local garrison.

An important factor in the success was also the element of surprise, which effectively paralyzed attempts by Venezuelan paramilitary units to organize resistance against U.S. forces.

According to statements by official Pentagon representatives, the direct phase of Maduro’s capture lasted only 30 minutes. Such speed of action made it possible to completely avoid casualties among U.S. personnel and aircraft.