Air Force Gen. Dan Caine gives timeline of military operation that captured Maduro in Venezuela

Key Concepts

• Operation Absolute Resolve: The US military operation to apprehend Nicolás and Cecilia Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela.
• Joint Force: The integrated collaboration of all branches of the US military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force) alongside intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
• Interagency Cooperation: Collaboration between different governmental agencies (CIA, NSA, NGA, Department of Justice, Spacecom, Cybercom) to achieve a common objective.
• Tactical Surprise: Maintaining the element of unexpectedness during a military operation.
• Layered Effects: Utilizing multiple capabilities (air, space, cyber) simultaneously to create a favorable operational environment.
• Extraction Force: The team responsible for physically removing the targets from the objective location.
• Afflat Launch Bases: The initial departure points for the aircraft involved in the operation.

Operation Absolute Resolve: A Detailed Account of the Apprehension Mission in Venezuela

I. Mission Overview & Strategic Context

On the order of the President of the United States, and at the request of the Department of Justice, a US military operation, designated “Operation Absolute Resolve,” was conducted in Caracas, Venezuela on January 2nd. The objective was the apprehension of Nicolás and Cecilia Maduro, both of whom were under indictment. The operation was described as “discreet, precise,” and the culmination of months of planning and rehearsal, representing a mission uniquely executable by the United States military. The President conveyed his support with the words, “Good luck and Godspeed,” which were relayed to the entire joint force.

II. Extensive Preparation & Intelligence Gathering

Preparation for the mission began months prior, leveraging decades of experience in integrating complex air, ground, space, and maritime operations. A key focus was gathering comprehensive intelligence on the Maduros, including their movements, residences, travel patterns, dietary habits, attire, and even their pets. This detailed intelligence was crucial for minimizing civilian harm and maximizing the element of surprise. The timing of the operation was also carefully considered, factoring in Venezuelan weather patterns, which are particularly challenging during that time of year. The operation was “set pending a series of aligned events,” specifically waiting for a break in the weather that would allow for safe passage.

III. Joint Force Integration & Deployment

The operation demanded the full integration of the US Joint Force – soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and guardians – working in unison with intelligence agencies like the CIA, NSA, and NGA, and law enforcement partners. This integration was described as exceeding the complexity implied by the term itself. Over 150 aircraft were launched from 20 different bases across the Western Hemisphere, including bombers, fighters, intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, and rotary-wing aircraft. The crew demographics ranged from a youngest member aged 20 to an oldest at 49, representing “thousands and thousands of hours of experience” airborne.

IV. Operational Execution: Ingress, Apprehension & Exfiltration

The helicopters carrying the extraction force, including law enforcement officers, flew at a low altitude (100 ft above the water) towards the Venezuelan shore. Simultaneously, Spacecom, CyberCom, and other interagency partners created a protective “pathway” overhead. The air component began dismantling Venezuelan air defense systems to ensure safe passage for the helicopters. The force maintained complete tactical surprise as they approached Maduro’s compound, arriving at 2:01 a.m. local time. Upon arrival, the apprehension force encountered resistance and responded with “overwhelming force in self-defense,” with one aircraft sustaining damage but remaining flyable. Nicolás and Cecilia Maduro surrendered and were taken into custody by the Department of Justice, assisted by the US military.

The exfiltration phase involved helicopters extracting the force while fighter aircraft and drones provided overhead coverage and suppressive fire. Multiple self-defense engagements occurred during withdrawal. The force successfully exfiltrated and returned to their launch bases by 3:29 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, with the Maduros aboard the USS Uima.

V. Technical Capabilities & Supporting Assets

The operation leveraged a wide range of advanced military assets:

• F-22s, F-35s, F-18s, EA18s, E2s, B1 bombers: These aircraft provided air superiority, electronic warfare, and surveillance capabilities.
• Remotely Piloted Drones: Used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and potentially strike capabilities.
• Spacecom & CyberCom: Provided critical support in disabling enemy systems and creating a secure operational environment.
• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Assets: Provided real-time updates to the ground force, enhancing situational awareness.

VI. Risk Mitigation & Contingency Planning

The operation was meticulously planned to minimize risk, with a primary focus on preventing civilian casualties and ensuring the safety of the extraction force. The selection of the operation date and time was driven by these considerations. The statement, “We think, we develop, we train, we rehearse, we debrief, we rehearse again and again. Not to get it right, but to ensure that we cannot get it wrong,” underscores the commitment to thorough preparation and contingency planning. Failure was explicitly stated as “never an option.”

VII. Post-Operation Status & Regional Readiness

Following the successful apprehension, US forces remained in the region at a high state of readiness, prepared to “project power, defend themselves and our interests.” The operation is presented as a demonstration of American military strength and resolve to uphold justice and stability.

Conclusion

Operation Absolute Resolve represents a complex and audacious demonstration of US military capabilities, interagency cooperation, and meticulous planning. The successful apprehension of Nicolás and Cecilia Maduro highlights the effectiveness of the Joint Force when integrated with robust intelligence gathering and a commitment to minimizing risk. The operation underscores the US military’s ability to project power globally and respond decisively to threats against peace and stability.