Details on U.S. Operation to Capture Maduro

On Saturday, Gen. Dan Cain from the Joint Chiefs of Staff shared insights into the collaborative mission by the U.S. military and intelligence agencies to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This operation, named “Operation Absolute Resolve,” involved the launch of more than 150 aircraft in a highly synchronized effort.

Cain described the operation as “the culmination of months of planning and rehearsals that began in the darkest hours of January 2nd.” He emphasized that it was a uniquely complex task only feasible for the U.S. military to undertake.

“We needed extreme precision and integration within our joint forces,” Cain remarked at an event in Mar-a-Lago alongside President Donald Trump. The operation required all aircraft to launch simultaneously across the Western Hemisphere, ensuring tactical surprise as they deployed forces into downtown Caracas.

“By the time the weather finally cleared, it was just the world’s best aviators flying through challenging conditions,” he continued. At 10:46 p.m. ET, the President authorized the mission, expressing his gratitude and support to the military personnel involved.

During the operation, aircraft took off from around 20 bases across land and sea in the region. Cain noted that the operational team ranged in age from 20 to 49 years.

Intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA, played crucial roles, supporting the mission with vital information. As the team approached Venezuelan waters, military assets coordinated to create a safe passage using various strategic elements.

As they neared Caracas, joint air forces began to disrupt Venezuela’s air defense systems, ensuring helicopters could safely reach their target area. By 1:01 a.m. ET, arresting forces swiftly descended on Maduro’s compound, acting with remarkable discipline and effectiveness.

Though enemy fire was encountered upon arrival at the site, U.S. forces responded with overwhelming force, successfully ensuring their retreat. Cain noted that one aircraft sustained damage but managed to continue the mission. The Maduro family ultimately surrendered and were taken into custody, a decision that likely preserved their lives.

As the operation concluded, helicopters were deployed to extract the team, backed by fighter jets and drones providing cover during their withdrawal. The mission wrapped up after the forces returned to their sea launch base, with Maduro and his wife reportedly taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima.