The US claim the military operation to capture the South American nation's leader took many weeks of careful preparation, yet when the US President gave the command to commence, the mission dubbed "Absolute Resolve" only lasted approximately 150 minutes.
The unexpected pre-dawn strike this past weekend represented a never-before-seen event within modern politics and led directly to the detention of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Apprehended by troops belonging to a top-tier American military force when they attempted to flee into a heavily secured secure chamber, the pair are now being held at a holding facility within New York City and face narco-terrorism charges.
The Early Morning Assault against Fuerte Tiuna
At sunrise that morning, the extent of the military operation in the capital, the nation's primary city, was evident.
Images from Fuerte Tiuna, an enormous army installation where top government officials reside, depict blasted structures and charred, smouldering vehicles.
It was at this base where the president and first lady were apprehended, Venezuelan ruling party leader a party official reported.
Hours Before - Trump Issues the Order
The mission commenced with reports of explosions at about 2 AM local time (6:00 Greenwich Mean Time).
American forces cut power across the capital, Trump later described, describing it as "dark and deadly".
The aim was to neutralize Venezuela's air defences and clear the way for US military helicopters to get to the target.
Our evaluation was that we had maintained completely the advantage of surprise," the top general commented.
Targeted sites included the compound, a port and an airport. Pictures show Fuerte Tiuna on fire, with massive fires seen from a great distance.
Venezuelans reported the way American choppers flew low over Caracas, heading for Fuerte Tiuna.
Some of the helicopters came under fire, but were still able to fly, officials said.
"It was a lot of weapons fire," Trump added.
A Lightning-Fast Ground Assault
Once on the ground, troops from the US Army's Delta Force, sprang into action.
They entered to the compound at 02:01 Caracas time, and the presidential couple surrendered without a struggle, as per reports.
But, further information were provided. They attempted to flee into a secure location, described as a military "fortress".
The secure room was constructed of steel, and he wasn't able to get to the door as our personnel were too quick.
It featured a very thick door, a massive door," Trump informed the media. He reached the entrance. He could not to close it."
However, even assuming they had managed to enter the safe room, forces could have blown it open in about "under a minute."
From Caracas to Manhattan
Now in US custody, Nicolás Maduro and his wife were transported some 2,100 miles, to Manhattan.
They were flown out of Caracas via chopper, and taken to a US warship, a warship positioned off the coast. The team was completed "over the water" by 04:29.
Aboard the vessel where an iconic image of the whole operation was captured - the president in handcuffs, with hearing protection and a type of blindfold that looked like dark sunglasses.
From the USS Iwo Jima, his initial stop was at the American naval installation in Cuba.
The Maduros were then flown on a government plane to a military airfield in New York state, and then via helicopter into New York City.
Facing The Legal System on American Soil
That same day, a video was released depicting Maduro inside the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) headquarters in the city.
The couple are now detained in a detention centre in the city.
They have been charged with planning drug-related terrorism and cocaine trafficking, owning machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons and bombs against the US.
They are set to encounter the full wrath of the US legal system on American soil within US courtrooms," the Attorney General declared.
Video documents the leader's entry in US and transport into custody.
