Inside the U.S. Operation to Capture Venezuela's Maduro

Key Concepts

• Operation Absolute Resolve: The US military operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
• Covert Action: CIA-led secret operations within Venezuela authorized by President Trump.
• Air Defense Suppression (ADS): Neutralizing enemy air defenses prior to a larger military operation.
• Electronic Warfare (EW): Utilizing the electromagnetic spectrum to control and disrupt enemy systems.
• Indictment: Formal accusation by a grand jury.
• Transition Government: The US intention to administer Venezuela following Maduro’s removal.

Capture of Nicolás Maduro: Operation Absolute Resolve – A Detailed Account

This account details the US-led capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during “Operation Absolute Resolve” on January 3rd. The operation, authorized by President Trump, involved extensive intelligence gathering and a significant deployment of military assets.

I. Pre-Operation Intelligence & Deployment

The operation was reportedly “months in the making,” beginning with President Trump’s authorization of covert CIA actions within Venezuela. Simultaneously, the Pentagon initiated a large-scale military buildup in the Caribbean starting in August. Intelligence agencies focused on comprehensive surveillance of Maduro, collecting data on his movements, residence, travel patterns, dietary habits, clothing, and even his pets. This detailed intelligence work was crucial in “pinning Maduro down” and understanding his operational environment. By early December, the US force was prepared, awaiting favorable conditions for execution.

II. Air Assault & Initial Engagement

The assault commenced with a massive air operation involving over 150 aircraft launching from 20 bases across the Western Hemisphere. The strike package comprised a diverse array of advanced military aircraft:

• B-1 Bombers: Strategic bombers likely used for long-range strikes against key infrastructure.
• F-35 & F-22 Fighter Jets: Fifth-generation stealth fighters employed for air superiority and precision strikes.
• F-18 Fighter Jets: Multi-role fighter jets providing additional air support.
• EA-18 Growler: Dedicated electronic warfare aircraft used to suppress and jam Venezuelan air defenses. This represents a key component of Air Defense Suppression (ADS), designed to create a safe operating environment for following forces.

These aircraft targeted Venezuela’s air defenses, providing cover for US special forces who infiltrated the country via helicopters flying at a low altitude of approximately 100 feet.

III. Compound Assault & Capture

The special forces arrived at Maduro’s compound at 2:01 a.m. Caracas local time (10:01 a.m. EST). Upon arrival, the helicopters encountered immediate hostile fire. US forces responded with “overwhelming force” in self-defense. Both Maduro and his wife, who were already under indictment, surrendered and were taken into custody by the Department of Justice, with support from the US military. The operation was characterized by “professionalism and precision.”

IV. Post-Capture & US Intentions

Following the extraction of Maduro and his wife, President Trump announced the US intention to administer Venezuela until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” could be established. He stated the goal was to bring “peace and safety, justice, and a country” to Venezuela. This indicates a plan for a transition government led by the US, at least temporarily.

V. Technical & Operational Details

The use of the EA-18 Growler highlights the importance of Electronic Warfare (EW) in modern military operations. By disrupting enemy radar and communication systems, the Growler significantly reduced the effectiveness of Venezuelan air defenses. The low-altitude helicopter infiltration tactic was likely employed to minimize radar detection and maximize surprise. The sheer scale of the air operation – 150 aircraft from 20 bases – demonstrates the US commitment to overwhelming force and minimizing risk to personnel.

Notable Quote:

“After months of work by our intelligence teammates to find Maduro and understand how he moved, where he lived, where he traveled, what he ate, what he wore, what were his pets.” – This statement underscores the intensive intelligence gathering operation preceding the raid.

This operation represents a significant intervention in Venezuelan affairs, with potentially far-reaching consequences for the region.