Operation Absolute Resolve: Inside the US-Led Capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
In an audacious operation that brings to mind the 1990 attack on Panama, the U.S. military and intelligence agencies have successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas, Venezuela. The large-scale operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve
, involved a stealth chase, Chinook helicopters, and more than 150 aircraft, according to General Dan Caine, the U.S. military chief.
Background and Context
After months of tension and an unprecedented military deployment in the Caribbean, commandos from the First Operational Command of Special Forces-Delta executed the capture of the Venezuelan leader in a lightning operation. The operation was a culmination of intensive planning and rehearsals, initiated by President Donald Trump's authorization in October for U.S. intelligence agencies to conduct covert actions in the Caribbean country.
The Execution of Operation Absolute Resolve
The operation began during the darkest hours of January 2nd,
as per Gen. Dan Caine. It involved a CIA agent who infiltrated the Chavista regime, providing crucial information about Maduro's exact location. The Delta Force, an elite unit of the U.S. Army, led the operation. They breached the doors of a safe house in a matter of seconds, surprising Maduro and his wife in their sleep. The operation's success was attributed to speed, secrecy, and precision, characteristics that are emblematic of Delta Force's high-risk missions.
Reactions and Implications
The international community has had divided reactions to the operation. While Albania and Kosovo applauded the Trump administration’s military operation, former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned it as unlawful
and unwise
. China has raised concerns about the U.S. capture and removal of the Venezuelan leader from the country by force, calling on Washington to ensure the safety and release of Maduro and his wife. Meanwhile, suspicions of betrayal have sparked within Venezuela's ruling elite.
President Donald Trump stated that he will govern Venezuela until a political transition, and has hinted at a potential land strike against drug cartels. However, his critics, such as Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., questioned the legality of the operation.
Current Status
Following his capture, Maduro and his wife were transported to New York. In a video released by American officials, Maduro could be seen being escorted by DEA agents, wishing bystanders a Happy New Year
. The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a four-count indictment against Maduro after his capture, sparking further international debate.
The fallout from Operation Absolute Resolve continues to reverberate on the global stage. With the U.S. poised to govern Venezuela during the transition, the geopolitical implications of this operation remain to be seen.