The United States military successfully executed a complex operation to apprehend Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved intricate planning and coordination between the US military and intelligence agencies, as outlined by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine during a press briefing. The operation aimed to apprehend Maduro while maintaining tactical surprise, deploying over 150 aircraft across the western hemisphere.
General Caine emphasized the scale and integration of the mission, stating, “The word integration does not explain the sheer complexity of such a mission.” He noted that even a minor failure could have jeopardized the entire operation. The groundwork for this mission was laid months in advance, with a significant buildup of military resources in the region, including the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group in mid-November.
By early December, intelligence reports provided comprehensive details about Maduro’s daily routines, including his personal habits and security arrangements. Caine highlighted that the military was prepared to execute the operation as soon as conditions allowed. Weather initially caused delays, but by 10:46 PM ET on the operation’s launch day, President Donald Trump authorized the mission.
At that moment, aircraft began to take off from twenty different bases. Caine reported that the operation included bombers, fighters, reconnaissance aircraft, and helicopters, all operating in unison. “Thousands and thousands of hours of experience were airborne,” he noted, marking the operational readiness of the forces involved. The youngest crew member was just 20 years old, while the oldest was 49 years old.
The extraction force, consisting of helicopters flying at low altitude, was supported by non-kinetic operations from the US Space Command and Cyber Command, which aimed to suppress Venezuelan defenses. Caine explained that the helicopters were protected by a combination of aircraft from the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and the Air National Guard, including advanced fighters such as the F-22, F-35, and B-2 bombers.
By 1:01 AM ET, the helicopter force reached Maduro’s compound. Caine described the apprehension team as moving with “speed, precision, and discipline.” While he refrained from detailing the capture process, Trump confirmed that he observed the operation live and noted that Maduro attempted to escape to a safe room but was intercepted by US troops.
During the mission, the helicopters faced hostile fire, prompting a decisive response. Caine stated, “The helicopters came under fire, and they replied to that fire with overwhelming force and self-defense.” Despite one aircraft being hit, all units successfully returned to their bases. Caine later reported multiple self-defense engagements during the withdrawal phase, highlighting the operational challenges faced by the team.
The entire operation concluded with the extraction force successfully exfiltrating and returning to the USS Iwo Jima at approximately 3:29 AM ET. Caine confirmed that there were no losses among American personnel or equipment, attributing this success to the extensive joint training and preparedness of US forces.
He concluded by stating, “What we’ve witnessed today is a powerful demonstration of America’s joint force.” The operation underscores the US military’s commitment to maintaining readiness and the ability to project power in the region while safeguarding its interests.
