In a significant revelation, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan “Raizin” Caine offered the most comprehensive account yet of the U.S. military operation that culminated in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife. This high-stakes mission, marked by meticulous coordination and global scope, was executed flawlessly without any American casualties.
Following President Donald Trump’s national address on the operation, Chairman Caine detailed the intricacies of what was dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve. He described it as “an audacious operation that only the United States could do,” emphasizing the mission’s unprecedented complexity.
“Last night, on the order of the President of the United States and in support of a request from the Department of Justice, the United States military conducted an apprehension mission in Caracas, Venezuela, to bring to justice two indicted persons, Nicolás and Cilia Maduro,” Caine announced.
The mission was orchestrated to enforce indictments from the Southern District of New York. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi had previously announced charges against the Venezuelan leader and his spouse, including allegations of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
Chairman Caine elaborated on the mission’s expansive and complex nature, describing it as “discreet, precise, and carried out during the darkest hours of January 2,” after extensive planning and rehearsing over several months. “This mission required every component of our joint force, with soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and guardians working in unison with our intelligence and law enforcement partners,” he stated.
The operation was set in motion when specific weather conditions and intelligence indicators aligned. “In early December, our force was poised, awaiting a series of aligned events. Through Christmas and New Year’s, the men and women of the United States military stood ready, patiently anticipating the right triggers and the presidential order to act.” Timing was crucial, Caine emphasized, with the goal to minimize civilian risk, enhance the element of surprise, and ensure the safe capture of the indicted individuals to bring them to justice.
Caine explained the operation was based on comprehensive intelligence. “We leveraged our unmatched intelligence capabilities and our years of experience in hunting terrorists. We watched, we waited, we prepared.” The mission involved support from the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Geospatial‑Intelligence Agency. According to Caine, intelligence teams even tracked what Maduro wore, what he ate, and the locations of his pets to build a full behavioral profile.
Once greenlit, the operation moved swiftly. “At 10:46 pm Eastern time… the President ordered the United States military to move forward with this mission. He said to us, and we appreciate it, Mr. President, ‘Good luck and Godspeed.’”
More than 150 aircraft launched from over 20 bases across the Western Hemisphere. “Bombers, fighters, intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, rotary wing were in the air. Our youngest crew member was 20, and our oldest was 49.”
Helicopters carrying the apprehension force flew at just 100 feet above water, escorted by aircraft including F-22s, F-35s, F-18s, B-1 bombers, EA-18s, and remotely piloted drones. As they approached Caracas, the air component dismantled Venezuelan air defenses to ensure the safety of the force.
Arriving at Maduro’s compound at 2:01 a.m. local time, the force was fired upon and responded in self-defense. “One of our aircraft was hit, but remained flyable,” Caine confirmed.
“This mission was meticulously planned, drawing lessons from decades of missions over the last many years,” stated Caine. “Those in the air over Caracas last night were willing to give their lives for those on the ground and in the helicopters.”
The operation unfolded with no U.S. casualties and no equipment lost, according to President Trump. Explosions had been reported across Caracas prior to the raid, including at Fuerte Tiuna, believed to house Maduro’s bunker.
“This was a powerful demonstration of America’s Joint Force,” Caine said. “Our jobs are to integrate combat power so when the order comes, we can deliver overwhelming force… against any foe anywhere in the world.”
Chairman Caine concluded his remarks with a tribute to the mission’s personnel. “I am immensely proud today of our joint force and filled with gratitude to represent them here today. There is simply no mission too difficult for these incredible professionals and the families that stand by them. Their courage and tireless commitment to our nation are what makes us strong.”
