The operation began in the deepest hours of January 2nd, a culmination of months spent in meticulous planning and relentless rehearsal. It was a mission, according to General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that only the United States military possessed the capability to execute.
More than 150 aircraft roared into the sky, a coordinated ballet of power stretching across the Western Hemisphere. Their singular purpose: to reach downtown Caracas with absolute tactical surprise, an interdiction force moving with unprecedented precision.
A break in the weather, a fleeting window of opportunity, was all that was needed. It demanded the skill of the world’s most accomplished aviators to navigate treacherous conditions – ocean swells, towering mountains, and suffocating low clouds. But the mission pressed forward.
At 10:46 p.m. Eastern Time, the order came directly from the President: “Good luck and Godspeed.” Those words resonated throughout the entire joint force, igniting a wave of determined action. Aircraft launched from twenty different bases, both on land and at sea.
The crew itself was a testament to dedication, ranging in age from twenty to forty-nine. They flew low, hugging the water at just 100 feet as they approached the Venezuelan coastline. Simultaneously, Space Command and Cyber Command began to weave a protective pathway, dismantling obstacles and ensuring safe passage.
Above, a formidable shield of American air power provided unwavering support. F-22s, F-35s, F-18s, EA-18s, E-2s, B-1 bombers, and a network of remotely piloted drones formed an impenetrable barrier. Their mission: to neutralize Venezuela’s air defenses, clearing a path for the approaching helicopters.
The extraction force arrived at Maduro’s compound at 2:01 a.m. local time, descending with speed, precision, and unwavering discipline. They swiftly isolated the area, prioritizing the safety of the ground team and focusing on the objective: apprehension.
The operation wasn’t without resistance. Helicopters encountered enemy fire and responded with overwhelming force in self-defense. One aircraft sustained damage, but remarkably, remained flyable, a testament to the skill of its crew and the resilience of American engineering.
Maduro and his wife offered no prolonged resistance, surrendering to the Justice Department’s custody. The operation concluded with no loss of life among U.S. forces, a remarkable achievement given the inherent risks.
As the force prepared to exfiltrate, fighter aircraft and drones continued to provide overhead coverage and suppressive fire. Multiple engagements occurred during the withdrawal, but the team successfully returned to their launch bases.
By 3:29 a.m. Eastern Time, the force was safely over water, with Maduro and his wife secured aboard the USS Iwo Jima. The mission, “Operation Absolute Resolve,” was complete.
Intelligence agencies – the CIA, NSA, and NGA – played a critical, supporting role, providing vital information and expertise throughout the complex operation. Their contributions were integral to the mission’s success.
