In a meticulously planned operation, the United States military successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on December 4, 2023. The operation, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” showcased extensive coordination between various branches of the U.S. military and intelligence agencies. This complex mission involved more than 150 aircraft executing a synchronized effort across the Western Hemisphere to secure Maduro in downtown Caracas.
Operation Details and Execution
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Dan Caine, elaborated on the intricate details of the operation, emphasizing the precision required for success. “The word integration does not explain the sheer complexity of such a mission,” he stated. The operation relied on extensive intelligence, including intimate details about Maduro’s daily routine and living conditions.
For months prior to the mission, the U.S. military had bolstered its presence in the region, particularly with the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group in mid-November. By early December, intelligence reports had matured to the point where the Pentagon felt confident in executing the operation when the order was given.
Weather conditions initially delayed the launch, but by 10:46 PM ET on December 4, President Donald Trump authorized the operation. Over the next few hours, aircraft from 20 different bases took to the skies, encompassing bombers, fighters, surveillance craft, and rotary-wing aircraft. “Thousands and thousands of hours of experience were airborne,” Caine noted, highlighting the diverse range of personnel involved in the mission.
Engagement and Extraction
Among the aircraft involved were helicopters flying at low altitudes, supported by an array of advanced fighter jets, including F-22s and F-35s. Non-kinetic effects deployed by U.S. Space Command and U.S. Cyber Command played a crucial role in suppressing Venezuelan defenses prior to the operation’s kinetic phase.
By 1:01 AM ET, the helicopter team reached Maduro’s compound, executing the apprehension with speed and precision. While the details of the capture remain classified, Trump stated that Maduro attempted to escape to a secure area but was quickly intercepted by U.S. forces. Caine confirmed that the helicopters faced gunfire during the operation, prompting a rapid and overwhelming response in self-defense.
Despite one aircraft sustaining damage, all units involved in the operation returned safely to their bases. Caine remarked on the effectiveness of the joint training which contributed to the operation’s success. “What we’ve witnessed today is a powerful demonstration of America’s joint force,” he stated. The operation concluded successfully with the extracted individuals aboard the USS Iwo Jima, having cleared Venezuelan airspace by 3:29 AM ET.
In conclusion, the operation not only achieved its objective without loss of American personnel or equipment but also underscored the operational readiness and strategic capabilities of U.S. forces in the region. Caine affirmed that military readiness remains high, prepared to protect U.S. interests in this critical area.
