As more details emerge about the dramatic U.S. operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, new reporting is drawing a direct line back to Kentucky.
According to The New York Times and Reuters, U.S. special operations forces rehearsed the mission at a full-scale replica of Maduro’s compound built inside the Commonwealth. The mock facility allowed elite troops to repeatedly practice breaching steel doors, navigating fortified interiors, and refining timing under conditions meant to mirror the real target as closely as possible.
The rehearsal site was supported by Joint Special Operations Command, with key involvement from units based at Fort Campbell. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment — the “Night Stalkers,” headquartered at Fort Campbell — ultimately flew Delta Force commandos into Venezuela during the live operation.
The unit is known for conducting high-risk night missions and previously played a central role in the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
U.S. intelligence officials said the rehearsals were critical because Maduro frequently rotated among multiple safe houses, sometimes changing locations nightly.
The operation was delayed until U.S. intelligence confirmed Maduro was at the specific compound that troops had trained to assault.
Once confirmation came, the mission moved forward. Delta Force commandos entered the fortified site, captured Maduro and his wife, and extracted them by helicopter under fire. They were later transported to the United States, where Maduro is expected to face federal charges.
This article appears in Jan 1-31, 2026.