Retired Colonel Breaks Down Precise US Military Operation in Venezuela

Operation Absolute Resolve: A Precise Military Strike

• 🎯 The operation, dubbed "Absolute Resolve," involved a highly precise military strike targeting key sites across Venezuela, including the Naval Academy, port, La Carlota air base, and military bases around Caracas.
• 💥 Before and after images show the significant destruction of structures at antenna farms and the Fortuna military base, highlighting the precision of the strikes.
• 🗓️ The operation began Friday at 10:46 PM Eastern Time after President Trump's order, with 150 aircraft from 20 bases participating, culminating in the capture of President Maduro within minutes of arrival at the compound.

Infiltration and Extraction Tactics

• 🔑 Colonel Cedric Leighton detailed the meticulous planning, including building a model of the target facility in Kentucky for practice.
• 🚪 Infiltration likely involved identifying weaknesses in the fence line and potentially using explosive devices, with forces prepared to breach Maduro's safe room if necessary.
• ✈️ The extraction was swift, with forces over international waters by 3:29 AM Saturday, demonstrating the speed and efficiency of the operation.

Venezuela's Oil Reserves and Infrastructure

• 📈 Venezuela possesses the world's largest oil reserves (303 billion barrels), surpassing Saudi Arabia and Russia.
• 📉 Despite vast reserves, decrepit infrastructure has severely hampered daily oil production, dropping from nearly 3 million barrels per day in 2013 to less than a million in 2024.

Political Ramifications and Future Uncertainty

• 🇺🇸 The US openly stated its intention to take control of Venezuela's oil reserves, sell them, and use the proceeds.
• 🤔 This move contrasts sharply with President Trump's past rhetoric against "forever wars" and nation-building, raising questions about the US strategy for governing Venezuela.
• ❓ Significant uncertainty remains regarding the aftermath, with conflicting statements from the administration on troop deployment and coordination with Venezuelan interim leadership, leaving many unanswered questions.
• 📊 Public opinion polls indicate a lack of clear communication from the Trump administration regarding the US military action in Venezuela.