Dan Caine reveals US tracked Nicolas Maduro’s routine and pets ahead of Venezuela operation

Dan 'Raizin' Caine said the Venezuela operation was 'meticulously planned, drawing lessons from decades of missions over the last many years'
UPDATED JAN 4, 2026
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine speaks during a press conference with President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago club on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Florida (Getty Images)
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine speaks during a press conference with President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago club on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Florida (Getty Images)


PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen Dan "Raizin" Caine on Saturday, January 3, shared the most detailed account yet of the military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

He claimed that the United States had extensive intelligence on Maduro, including what he ate and even the location of his pets. He even shared other information about how the top-secret mission was planned and operated. 

Caine added that only the US could do this, praising the nation’s capabilities. He also assured that all the soldiers deployed to the mission are safe and secure.  

Dan Caine speaks during a press conference with President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Dan Caine speaks during a press conference with President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Dan Caine reveals US intelligence tracked Nicolas Maduro for months

Caine said, "We leveraged our unmatched intelligence capabilities and our years of experience in hunting te**orists. We watched, we waited, we prepared."

He noted that the operation involved a massive military presence. More than 150 aircraft launched from over 20 bases across the Western Hemisphere. Bombers, fighters, intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, rotary wing were in the air. Our youngest crew member was 20, and our oldest was 49," Caine recalled.

He stated that the mission was made on decades of operational experience. “This mission was meticulously planned, drawing lessons from decades of missions over the last many years,” he said. “Those in the air over Caracas last night were willing to give their lives for those on the ground and in the helicopters.”

CARACAS, VENEZUELA - NOVEMBER 21: President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro speaks during a march as part of the
President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro speaks during a march as part of the 'Venezuelan Student Day' at Miraflores on November 21, 2025, in Caracas, Venezuela (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)

Sharing the details of the intelligence work behind the strike, Caine added, "After months of work by our intelligence teammates to find Maduro and understand how he moved, where he lived, where he traveled, what he ate, what he wore, what were his pets."

Calling the operation a showcase of military coordination, he said, “This was a powerful demonstration of America’s Joint Force. Our jobs are to integrate combat power so when the order comes, we can deliver overwhelming force... against any foe anywhere in the world.”

Caine concluded by praising those involved in the mission, saying, "I am immensely proud today of our joint force and filled with gratitude to represent them here today. There is simply no mission too difficult for these incredible professionals and the families that stand by them. Their courage and tireless commitment to our nation are what makes us strong."

Trump's action in Venezuela

Donald Trump ordered a military operation in Venezuela that captured Nicolas Maduro. Trump said the mission was completed without any US casualties or loss of equipment. 

Before the raid, explosions were reported across Caracas, including near Fuerte Tiuna, a major military base believed to house Maduro’s bunker. Videos shared online showed smoke, fires, and low-flying aircraft over the city. Residents described loud blasts, flashes in the sky, and brief power cuts. 



The operation came as Washington put pressure on Maduro’s government over alleged d**g trafficking and growing security concerns tied to Venezuela.

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