How did the US get Maduro? Inside Operation Absolute Resolve | BBC Security Brief

Operation Absolute Resolve: A Detailed Analysis

Key Concepts:

• SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defense): Tactics used to neutralize or suppress enemy air defense systems.
• Human Intelligence (HUMINT): Intelligence gathered from human sources.
• Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): Intelligence derived from electronic signals and communications.
• ELINT (Electronic Intelligence): A subset of SIGINT focusing on non-communication electronic signals.
• Imagery Intelligence (IMINT): Intelligence gathered from visual imagery, including electro-optical and thermal.
• RQ-170 Sentinel: A stealth drone used for reconnaissance and signals intelligence gathering.
• F-18 Growler: A US Navy aircraft used for electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses, equipped with jamming capabilities and AGM-88 HARM missiles.
• AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile): A missile designed to home in on radar emissions.
• MH-47G Chinook: A heavy-lift helicopter used for special operations, equipped with terrain-following radar and weather radar.
• MH-60 Blackhawk: A utility helicopter used for troop transport and support.
• MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems): Shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles.
• CQB (Close Quarters Battle): Tactical combat in confined spaces.
• Infill/Exfill: Military terms for the insertion and extraction of forces, respectively.

1. Intelligence Gathering (Phase One)

The operation, dubbed “Absolute Resolve,” began with extensive intelligence collation, crucial for success. This intelligence was categorized into three key forms: Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Imagery Intelligence (IMINT). A CIA plant within the Venezuelan government began collecting HUMINT as early as August 2025, focusing on establishing a “pattern of life” for President Maduro – his movements, behaviors, eating habits, and communication patterns. SIGINT involved intercepting and triangulating Maduro’s communications to identify key contacts and the content of conversations, forming a “spider network” of intelligence. The RQ-170 Sentinel stealth drone played a pivotal role in gathering both SIGINT and IMINT. This “dual-sensored” platform, operating from Roosevelt Roads Air Base in Puerto Rico, likely spent nights over Caracas, collecting electronic signals and utilizing electro-optical and thermal cameras for visual surveillance. The drone’s ability to operate undetected was highlighted, with rare footage showing one returning to base. The intelligence gathered aimed to create a comprehensive understanding of Maduro’s routines and the layout of his compound.

2. Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) – Phase Two

The primary obstacle to a successful air assault was Venezuela’s S-300 missile system, a Russian-made system with long-range radar capabilities. The US employed a two-pronged approach to neutralize this threat. First, the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier deployed F-18 Growler aircraft. These aircraft utilized jamming capabilities to disrupt the S-300 radar, creating erroneous target tracks. Simultaneously, the Growlers launched AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles). These missiles are designed to home in on the radar emissions of systems like the S-300, effectively turning the radar itself into a target. This created a “cat and mouse” game, forcing S-300 operators to limit radar use to avoid being targeted, ultimately leading to attempts at evasion. The speaker recounted personal experience flying missions with HARM missiles in Bosnia, highlighting the inherent risks.

3. Helicopter Assault & Extraction (Phase Three)

The operation culminated in a helicopter assault on Maduro’s compound, Fort Tiona, located in a mountainous region south of Caracas. The MV Ocean Trader served as the primary support vessel, housing helicopters, drones, and boats. The force comprised MH-47G Chinook and MH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. The Chinook, a heavy-lift helicopter equipped with terrain-following and weather radar, was crucial for navigating the challenging terrain at low altitudes (around 200-250 feet) under night vision conditions. Video footage showed approximately nine helicopters involved in the assault, with two identified as MH-47G Chinooks and seven as MH-60M Black Hawks.

The assault teams employed two potential methods of insertion: direct insertion (hovering and rappelling) or an offset approach, landing at a distance and moving on foot. The choice depended on terrain and potential obstacles. The primary concern during the approach was the threat of MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems). Venezuela possessed approximately 5,000 of these shoulder-launched missiles, posing a significant risk to the helicopters. Pilots were also trained to avoid collisions with terrain and power lines, a threat known as “controlled flight into terrain.”

4. Target & Post-Assault Actions

Beyond Maduro’s compound, US forces targeted other military installations, including Lola Air Base and Heragoda Airport, to suppress air defenses and create a safer operating environment. The assault team, presumed to be Delta Force operators, conducted CQB (Close Quarters Battle) to secure Maduro, having meticulously rehearsed the operation using a detailed mockup of the compound.

Following Maduro’s capture, the exfiltration (Xfill) plan involved flying him north to the USS Iwo Jima, a US Marine Corps amphibious assault ship. From there, he was transported to Guantanamo Bay for processing before being flown to New York to face charges.

5. Notable Quotes & Statements

• “Intelligence is absolutely critical to any any kind of these type of operations.” – Speaker emphasizing the importance of intelligence gathering.
• “If I knew that as a pilot planning this, um, it would put the fear of God into me because these systems are they’re literally attached to soldiers.” – Speaker describing the threat posed by MANPADS.
• “All goes back to the intelligence at the end of the day.” – Speaker reiterating the foundational role of intelligence in the operation’s success.

6. Data & Statistics

• August 2025: The CIA began collecting HUMINT within the Venezuelan government.
• 5,000: The number of MANPADS Venezuela possessed in 2022.
• RQ-170 Sentinel: Operated from Roosevelt Roads Air Base in Puerto Rico.
• USS Gerald Ford: Deployed with F-18 Growler aircraft.
• MH-47G Chinook: Equipped with terrain-following and weather radar.
• Approximately 9 helicopters: Involved in the assault, including 2 MH-47G Chinooks and 7 MH-60M Black Hawks.

7. Logical Connections & Synthesis

The video clearly outlines a three-phase operation, demonstrating a logical progression from intelligence gathering to SEAD and finally, the assault and extraction. Each phase was dependent on the success of the previous one. The detailed intelligence picture enabled effective targeting of air defenses, which in turn facilitated a relatively safe helicopter assault. The operation’s success hinged on meticulous planning, advanced technology, and the expertise of US special forces. The emphasis on minimizing risk, particularly from MANPADS and terrain hazards, underscores the complexity and precision required for such a high-stakes mission.

Conclusion:

“Operation Absolute Resolve” represents a highly complex and audacious military operation. The video provides a detailed, insider’s perspective on the planning and execution, highlighting the critical roles of intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, and special operations aviation. The operation’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of a coordinated, multi-faceted approach to neutralizing a sophisticated adversary and achieving a strategic objective.