A meticulously planned military operation led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on December 4, 2023. This complex mission, termed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” was executed by the US military in coordination with various intelligence agencies, according to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine. The operation involved over 150 aircraft launching simultaneously across the Western Hemisphere, aiming to achieve tactical surprise in downtown Caracas.
General Caine emphasized the operation’s intricacy, stating, “The word integration does not explain the sheer complexity of such a mission.” He detailed how the successful coordination of air and ground forces was critical, noting that any failure in the operation could have jeopardized the entire effort. The operation was a culmination of months of intelligence gathering, which included detailed knowledge of Maduro’s routines.
The buildup of military resources in the region began significantly in mid-November with the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group. By early December, intelligence reports provided the Pentagon with comprehensive insights into Maduro’s daily activities, allowing for the operation’s execution when deemed necessary.
After a brief weather delay, President Donald Trump authorized the operation at 22:46 ET on December 4. Aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and reconnaissance planes, were launched from 20 different bases across the hemisphere. General Caine reported that “more than 150 aircraft — bombers, fighters, intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance [aircraft], rotary wing — were in the air last night.” The operation’s personnel ranged in age, with the youngest crew member being 20 and the oldest 49.
The extraction team, consisting of helicopters flying low above the water, was supported by various air force components. General Caine confirmed that non-kinetic effects from US Space Command and US Cyber Command were employed to suppress Venezuelan defenses prior to kinetic strikes. Aircraft from the United States Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Air National Guard provided protective cover, including advanced fighters such as the F-22 and F-35.
At 01:01 AM ET, the helicopter force reached Maduro’s compound. Caine described the operation as one marked by “speed, precision, and discipline.” While specific details of the capture were not disclosed, President Trump reported witnessing the operation in real-time and indicated that Maduro attempted to escape to a safe room.
As the helicopters faced incoming fire, they responded with overwhelming force, successfully defending themselves. General Caine noted that one aircraft sustained damage, but all returned safely. “There were multiple self-defense engagements as the force began to withdraw out of Venezuela,” he stated. The operation concluded successfully with the extraction force returning to the USS Iwo Jima by 03:29 AM ET, carrying the captured individuals without any losses to American personnel or equipment.
General Caine attributed the operation’s success to rigorous joint training. “What we’ve witnessed today is a powerful demonstration of America’s joint force,” he remarked. He highlighted that the forces in the region remain at a high state of readiness, prepared to defend US interests.
This operation underscores the evolving nature of US military engagement in Latin America and reflects a significant escalation in efforts to address political instability in Venezuela.
