This was heightened by the fact US forces had chosen the riskiest landing spot – right at Maduro’s compound. With the element of surprise now gone, the extraction force navigated an intense firefight between US attack helicopters and Venezuelan forces. Next, what appears to be retaliatory anti-aircraft fire blazes through the night as the attack helicopters continue firing. US attack helicopters provide covering fire to transport aircraft as they leave Fort Tiuna. Experts told CNN those aircraft may have been protecting the route taken by Maduro’s helicopter as it left the scene.

Source: CNN January 23, 2026 15:02 UTC