Senior US military officials have revealed the intricacies of the mission that led to the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The operation, named Operation Absolute Resolve, was a well-coordinated effort involving air, sea, cyber, and intelligence assets across the Western Hemisphere. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine described it as a daring mission executed during the early hours of January 2nd following extensive preparation.
The mission, carried out in collaboration with the Department of Justice, aimed to capture the indicted individuals, Nicolas and Cecilia Maduro. It saw cooperation among various US intelligence agencies, law enforcement bodies, and branches of the military. Caine highlighted that the operation was the result of months of interagency work and decades of experience in integrating complex operations across different domains.
Over 150 aircraft were deployed from 20 bases in the Western Hemisphere, including bombers, fighters, intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, and rotary wing aircraft. As the extraction force advanced towards Venezuela, helicopters flew at low altitudes to avoid detection. US forces utilized capabilities from Space Command and Cyber Command to secure a pathway into Caracas, with fighter aircraft providing aerial protection.
Approaching Maduro’s compound at 1:01 a.m. Eastern Time, the apprehension force swiftly secured the targets amidst gunfire. Despite facing resistance, US forces managed to detain Maduro and his wife without any American casualties. The detainees were safely transferred to the USS Iwo Jima. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commended the operation as a testament to American military strength and efficiency, emphasizing the nation’s ability to assert its power when necessary.
Caine emphasized that US forces in the region remain prepared for any challenges, underscoring their capabilities in executing complex missions with precision and professionalism.
