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American officials state the military operation to capture Venezuela's leader required months of planning, however the moment the US President issued the command to launch, the mission dubbed "Absolute Resolve" was completed in approximately 150 minutes.

The unexpected pre-dawn assault on Saturday signified an unprecedented event within modern politics and culminated in the detention of Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores.

Apprehended by troops from an elite American military force when they attempted to escape into a fortified secure chamber, the pair are currently being held in a detention centre in New York and face drug trafficking and terrorism indictments.

A Dawn Raid on the Military Complex

As the sun rose on Saturday, the extent of the military operation in the capital, the nation's primary city, became apparent.

Images of Fuerte Tiuna, a huge army installation in which key officials live, reveal blasted structures as well as burned, smouldering vehicles.

The location was this facility where Maduro and his wife were apprehended, Venezuelan ruling party leader a party official reported.

Hours Earlier - The President Gives the Order

The mission commenced amid reports of blasts at about 02:00 local time (06:00 GMT).

The US disabled electricity to the city, Trump later described, calling it "dark and deadly".

The objective was to neutralize the nation's air defences and open up the way for American assault helicopters to reach Fuerte Tiuna.

"We assessed that we had maintained completely the element of surprise", a senior military officer remarked.

Strike locations included the compound, a maritime facility and an airfield. Pictures show the complex on fire, with massive fires seen from a great distance.

Residents have described how American choppers flew low above the city, en route to Fuerte Tiuna.

A number of the aircraft were shot at, but managed to continue flying, officials stated.

There was significant weapons fire," Trump added.

The Rapid On-the-Ground Operation

After landing, forces from an elite special operations unit, sprang into action.

They entered to the compound at 02:01 Caracas time, and the Maduros "gave up" without resistance, as per reports.

However, more details emerged. They tried to escape into a safe place, referred to as a heavily fortified bunker.

The secure room was constructed of steel, and he failed to make it to the door because our guys were so fast.

It featured a very thick entryway, a very heavy door," the President told reporters. He reached the entrance. He was unable to close it."

But even if they had succeeded to get into the bunker, forces could have blown it open in about "under a minute."

From Caracas to Manhattan

Currently under American detention, the couple were moved some 3,400 kilometers, to Manhattan.

They were flown from the capital via chopper, and taken to the USS Iwo Jima, a naval vessel positioned in the Caribbean. The operation was back "over the water" by 04:29.

Aboard the vessel that an iconic image from the entire mission was captured - Maduro shackled, wearing ear protectors and a type of blindfold that looked like dark sunglasses.

From the USS Iwo Jima, he was first flown at the American naval installation at Guantánamo Bay.

They then traveled via official aircraft to Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York, before a final helicopter transfer to Manhattan.

Confronting Justice on US Territory

That same day, footage emerged depicting Maduro inside the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) headquarters in the city.

He and Cilia Flores are presently being held in a detention centre within the city.

They face charges with conspiracy to commit drug-related terrorism and import cocaine, possession of machine guns and explosives, and plots to possess such weapons and destructive devices to use against America.

"They will soon face the full wrath of American justice in the United States within US courtrooms," a senior legal official declared.

Footage shows Maduro's arrival into American and journey into custody.