How 200 U.S. Special Forces Captured Nicolás Maduro in Operation Absolute Resolve

Operation Absolute Resolve Authorization

• 💡 On January 2nd, President Donald Trump authorized Operation Absolute Resolve, a mission to capture Nicolás Maduro.
• 🎯 This was a meticulously refined and rehearsed operation, not a spontaneous raid, designed for speed and decisive action.
• 🔑 Nearly 200 American operators from Delta Force and SEAL Team 6 were involved in the mission.

Air Dominance and Integrated Warfare

• 🚀 The operation began with achieving control of the air, involving over 150 aircraft from various bases and carrier groups.
• 🛰️ F-22 Raptors established air dominance, while F-35s provided real-time data and EA-18 Growlers disrupted communications.
• 🧠 This mission showcased the integration of air, cyber, space, intelligence, and ground forces operating as a single, powerful system.

Special Operations Aviation Tactics

• 🚁 MH-60M Blackhawks in their Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) configuration, flown by the 161st Special Operations Aviation Regiment, led the incursion.
• 🛠️ These helicopters functioned as flying weapon systems, equipped with Hellfire missiles, guided rockets, and precision machine guns for close-in defense.
• stealth ✈️ The aircraft flew at approximately 100 feet above the Caribbean to minimize detection during their approach to Venezuela.

Infiltration and Capture of Maduro

• 📡 US Space Command and Cyber Command layered effects to neutralize air defenses and create a protected corridor for the helicopters.
• 🎯 Maintaining total tactical surprise, the apprehension force descended into the target complex at 2:01 AM Caracas time.
• ✅ Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, were intercepted and surrendered before they could reach a reinforced safe room.

Extraction and Mission Conclusion

• ⚡ Extraction began immediately under continuous air cover, with fighter aircraft and remotely piloted platforms forming a protective umbrella.
• 🚢 Maduro and his wife were transferred to the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship, waiting in international waters.
• 🗓️ By sunrise on January 3rd, 2026, the operation concluded, demonstrating global coordination, reach, and precision.