Satellite imagery reveals the extent of devastation caused by the U.S. strike that resulted in the apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife during the early hours of Saturday.
The before-and-after satellite photos depict the obliteration of vast portions of Venezuela’s military infrastructure within mere minutes.
Numerous compounds were flattened, with charred roads and debris clearly visible in the aftermath. Entire structures were razed, while rows of parked vehicles were incinerated or blown to pieces.
According to the Venezuelan government, the raid claimed at least 40 lives – a mix of soldiers and civilians. U.S. officials stated that the operation was completed in less than half an hour.
Venezuelan authorities did not disclose to the publication the number of casualties from the military or among Maduro’s Cuban bodyguards.
Rosa González, an 80 year old woman residing in a flat that was struck during the raid, was identified as one of the victims by local authorities, as per the New York Post.
Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s most significant military complex situated near Caracas, bore the brunt of the attack, according to the satellite images. Vantor’s images show entire buildings eradicated, with extensive blast marks scarring the base.
The assault also impacted La Carlota, the military airbase where air-defence units and runways were obliterated, according to witnesses. La Guaira, a port serving as a crucial logistics hub, suffered significant damage to containers and dock facilities.
Officials reported that several other military installations near Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira were also struck.
Local residents in nearby neighbourhoods reported that the strikes led to secondary explosions and fires, resulting in enormous plumes of smoke visible for miles around.
In Caracas, locals described the strikes as explosions that transformed night into day, with sightings of low-flying aircraft and subsequent power outages.
People took to the streets and shared their experiences on social media, which was inundated with images of the strikes.
Both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently in U.S. custody in New York, with their initial federal court appearances anticipated within days in Manhattan.