Operation Absolute Resolve: The Comprehensible Capture of Nicolás Maduro

Mon Jan 05 2026 06:28:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An in-depth look at the covert military operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces, marked by high-stakes planning and execution.

This article details the intricate planning and execution of 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' a recent military operation by the United States that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, which entailed meticulous reconnaissance and significant military forces, culminating in a dramatic intervention, has stirred international debate and concern over its implications.

Operation Absolute Resolve: The Comprehensible Capture of Nicolás Maduro

For months, US spies had been monitoring Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's every move. A small team, including one source within the Venezuelan government, had been observing where the 63-year-old slept, what he ate, what he wore and even, according to top military officials, 'his pets.'

In early December, a planned mission dubbed 'Operation Absolute Resolve' was finalized. This military intervention, reminiscent of Cold War tactics, involved months of meticulous planning, rehearsals, and the creation of a full-size replica of Maduro's Caracas safe house by elite US troops.

The mission originally lacked congressional oversight or consultation, as military officials awaited optimal conditions to launch the operation. These high-stakes preparations included a false start when President Trump approved the mission only to delay for better environmental conditions.

On a pivotal Friday evening, President Trump ordered the mission to commence. The operation itself, which would unfold in a remarkable fashion over the course of approximately two hours, initiated a series of military actions in the Venezuelan capital.

The operation began with an aerial bombardment involving over 150 aircraft targeting military installations around Caracas, creating chaos and confusion. Eyewitness reports indicated loud explosions and disrupted communication within the city.

As US forces advanced into the city, elite Delta Force teams carried specialized equipment, including blowtorches, to breach Maduro's secured locations. Upon arrival, they faced immediate resistance, proving that Maduro anticipated some form of attack.

Ultimately, the operation resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife. Following the swift military intervention, they were transported to the United States and expected to face severe legal actions.

The ramifications of this mission extend far beyond Venezuela, eliciting reactions from international leaders and raising questions about future US military interventions. The actions taken in 'Operation Absolute Resolve' are already reshaping diplomatic relations within the region.