A meticulously planned operation by the United States military successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas during the night of December 6, 2023. The operation, labelled “Operation Absolute Resolve,” involved an extensive aerial deployment and advanced cyber tactics, as detailed by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Dan Caine, during a press briefing.
General Caine described the mission as one of extraordinary complexity involving over 150 aircraft operating in a closely coordinated effort across the Western Hemisphere. He emphasized that the operation’s success hinged on the flawless execution of each component, stating, “Failure of one component of this well-oiled machine would have endangered the entire mission.”
Operation Planning and Execution
In the months leading up to the operation, the US military enhanced its presence in the region, with a significant milestone occurring in mid-November when the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group arrived. By early December, intelligence assessments had refined to the point where the Pentagon felt prepared to execute the mission upon receiving the go-ahead from President Donald Trump.
Weather conditions initially delayed the operation, but at 10:46 PM ET on December 6, Trump ordered the launch. Aircraft began taking off from 20 different bases, including bombers, fighters, and reconnaissance aircraft. “Thousands and thousands of hours of experience were airborne,” Caine noted, highlighting the diverse range of personnel involved, from 20 to 49 years old.
Amid this aerial deployment, an extraction force comprised of helicopters flew at a low altitude towards their target. Caine disclosed that non-kinetic effects were employed by US Space Command and US Cyber Command to suppress Venezuelan defenses prior to the operation’s kinetic phase.
Details of Maduro’s Capture
By 1:01 AM ET on December 7, the helicopter unit had reached Maduro’s compound. Caine described the apprehension team as moving “with speed, precision and discipline towards their objective.” While he refrained from sharing intricate details of the capture, Trump mentioned that he observed the operation live and noted that Maduro attempted to escape to a secure location before being apprehended.
As the helicopters came under fire during the operation, they responded with overwhelming force. Caine confirmed that while one aircraft sustained damage, all units returned safely to their bases. The operation also faced multiple exchanges of fire as the extraction force withdrew from Venezuela, ultimately making a successful exit by 3:29 AM ET with individuals detained aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
General Caine commended the operation, stating, “What we’ve witnessed today is a powerful demonstration of America’s joint force.” He attributed the successful outcome to rigorous training and preparation, reinforcing the United States’ readiness to project power and protect its interests in the region.
Overall, the operation not only marked a significant military achievement but also underscored the US’s ongoing strategic interests in Latin America, demonstrating its capability to execute complex missions under adverse conditions while maintaining a high state of operational readiness.