The U.S. military successfully executed a complex operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on December 10, 2023, following extensive planning involving military and intelligence agencies. The operation, referred to as Operation Absolute Resolve, was characterized by its intricate coordination, which included the deployment of over 150 aircraft across the Western Hemisphere.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, detailed the mission’s execution during a press briefing after U.S. President Donald Trump announced its success. Caine emphasized the operation’s complexity, stating, “The word integration does not explain the sheer complexity of such a mission,” highlighting that the precision required made it crucial for all components to function seamlessly.
Operation Details and Execution
The operation was months in the making, with significant military buildup in the region, culminating in the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group in mid-November. By early December, intelligence assessments had provided comprehensive insights into Maduro’s daily routines, including specific details about his personal life.
Despite initial delays due to weather conditions, the mission proceeded when Trump authorized the operation at 22:46 ET on December 10. Aircraft from 20 different bases were launched, comprising a range of military assets, including bombers, fighters, and surveillance aircraft. Caine noted that “thousands and thousands of hours of experience” were represented in the air, with crew members aged between 20 and 49 years.
The extraction force, comprising helicopters flying at low altitudes, was supported by both non-kinetic and kinetic operations coordinated by U.S. Space Command and U.S. Cyber Command. These units worked to suppress Venezuelan defenses prior to the operation’s main engagement, which involved multiple aircraft types, including F-22, F-35, and B-2 bombers.
Outcome and Assessment
By 01:01 AM ET on December 11, the helicopter force had arrived at Maduro’s compound. Caine described the apprehension team as moving “with speed, precision, and discipline” towards their objective. While specific details of the capture were not disclosed, Trump later stated he observed the operation in real-time and noted that Maduro attempted to escape to a safe room during the engagement.
During the operation, helicopters came under fire, prompting a defensive response characterized by “overwhelming force.” Although one aircraft sustained damage, all units managed to return safely to their bases. Caine reported that the extraction force successfully exfiltrated, with the mission concluding at 03:29 AM ET when they were over water aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
Notably, no U.S. personnel or equipment were lost during the operation. General Caine attributed this success to the rigorous joint training that U.S. forces undergo, stating, “What we’ve witnessed today is a powerful demonstration of America’s joint force.” He reaffirmed the military’s readiness to respond to any future threats in the region.
As tensions with Venezuela continue, the implications of this operation highlight the U.S. military’s capacity for complex, coordinated actions on a global scale. The successful execution of Operation Absolute Resolve demonstrates a significant commitment to international security and the defense of U.S. interests in the hemisphere.
