A Chinook helicopter pilot helped plan it The operation to capture the former president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro was wounded in the leg during the predawn mission, U.S. officials spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity to discuss national security issues.
At the start of the daring operation, a formation of US Army helicopters carrying a group of Delta Force commandos slipped toward Caracas largely unnoticed.
But as the plane approached the fortified compound where Maduro was believed to be kept, the calm was shattered. Venezuelan defense positions opened fire, and U.S. helicopters responded with their own repressive fire, according to U.S. officials.
A heavy twin-rotor MH-47 Chinook, the lead aircraft in the formation responsible for engaging the strike group, was hit by enemy fire.
Although damaged, he continued in the air and completed his career. U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News said the Chinook pilot who helped plan the mission was wounded multiple times in the leg during the engagement.
On Tuesday, a Pentagon official told CBS News that two U.S. service members were still recovering from injuries sustained in Venezuela during what the Defense Department called Operation Absolute Resolve.
“They are receiving excellent medical care and are on the road to recovery. Five additional service members were injured, but have already returned to duty. The fact that this incredibly complex and grueling mission was successfully accomplished with so few injuries is a testament to the experience of our joint warriors,” the Pentagon official said.
The New York Times first notify Details of the engagement with the Chinook and the injured pilot.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken to a federal detention center in New York after the attack.
“I’m innocent. I’m not guilty, I’m a decent man,” Maduro said through an interpreter in his appearance on Monday. “He is still the president of my country,” he added.
on wednesday President Trump said he thinks about it The US can oversee things in Venezuela for “much longer” than a year, he said The New York Times “Only time will tell” until when Washington will demand direct supervision of the country.
Following Mr. Trump’s comments, The Republican-controlled Senate moved forward The war powers resolution was aimed at limiting Venezuela’s ability to carry out further strikes. All five Democratic Republicans joined in voting to advance the measure.