They Knew Everything: US General Details Operation in Venezuela

US General John D. Caine has disclosed details of Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela.

According to Caine, intelligence efforts provided a comprehensive picture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s daily life, including his travel routes, habits, diet, and even “what were his pets.”

On the night of January 2-3, US forces conducted a special operation in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, resulting in the capture of Maduro.
The mission was executed under orders from the US President and at the request of the Department of Justice.

The mission required the involvement of every component of the joint forces: soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and representatives of the Space Force, Caine shared.

Multiple intelligence agencies were engaged, including the CIA, NSA, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

The operation involved roughly 150 aircraft of various types, providing air cover, transport, and ground support. Aircraft operated across the Western Hemisphere in close coordination.

They all converged in time and space to create a multi-layered impact for one goal: to deliver the interception group to the center of Caracas, according to Caine.

The Beginning of Active Operations

At 10:46 p.m. Eastern Time, President Donald Trump ordered US Armed Forces to commence the mission.

Throughout the night, bombers, fighters, drones, and helicopters took off from 20 bases on land and at sea across the Western Hemisphere.

The General explained that the air component included F-22s, F-35s, F/A-18s, EA-18s, E-2s, B-1 bombers, and other support aircraft, as well as various drones.

As night fell, helicopters flew toward Venezuela at an altitude of roughly 30 meters above the water.

Approaching the coast, US forces struck Venezuelan targets to create a secure corridor. Air defense systems were neutralized.

US forces reached Maduro’s residence at 1:01 a.m., following a detailed operational plan.

The detention team landed on the compound and acted quickly, accurately, and methodically, isolating the area to ensure the safety of all personnel.

Some helicopters came under fire during the mission and returned fire.

“The weather was just clear enough for the mission so aviators could operate,” Caine added.

Maduro and his wife ultimately surrendered and were taken into custody by US forces.

By 3:29 a.m. EST, they were en route to the landing ship Iwo Jima.

The operation involved servicemembers ranging in age from 20 to 49.

General Caine emphasized that aviation personne operating over Caracas were aware of the risks and prepared to act to protect those on the ground and in the helicopters.