The early hours of January 3, 2026, will be remembered as a pivotal moment in modern geopolitics. The United States’ decision to enforce regime change in Venezuela and capture President Nicolas Maduro marked a significant shift in Washington’s approach to its sphere of influence. This operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, showcased the scale of U.S. combat airpower and the vast resources at Washington’s disposal, signaling a return to direct intervention in what the U.S. considers its backyard.
The operation, months in the making, involved a complex web of intelligence gathering, cyber operations, and precision airstrikes. U.S. officials revealed during a January 3 briefing that the mission had been ready since early December 2025. Intelligence agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and NGA played crucial roles in preparing for the operation, which culminated in a coordinated effort involving cyber and space assets to create a pathway for a rotary interdiction force into Caracas.
The operation’s execution was meticulously planned and executed. A U.S. naval task force had been positioned in regional waters in the preceding months, awaiting a favorable weather window. On January 2, President Donald Trump gave the green light, setting in motion a series of events that would alter the geopolitical landscape. The interdiction force, likely the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), used MH-47 Chinook helicopters and MH-60s to carry out the raid, as dramatic videos posted on social media revealed.
The air assets involved in Operation Absolute Resolve were described as a “joint force,” publicly naming the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy. The operation featured a range of advanced aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor, the world’s most advanced air dominance fighter, tasked with securing the air domain. The F-35 Lightning II, known for its stealth capabilities, provided electronic warfare (EW) support to disrupt Venezuela’s military command and control structure. The F/A-18 Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler were also deployed, offering close air support and electronic jamming capabilities to suppress Venezuelan command and communications networks.
The E-2D Hawkeye, the U.S. Navy’s carrier-borne airborne early warning aircraft, played a critical role in providing a comprehensive picture of the battlespace to operational commanders. The B-1 Lancer, a strategic heavy bomber, conducted ground effect missions, striking air bases and air defense systems in Venezuela.
The operation also likely involved numerous remote piloted aircraft, including drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper or SkyGuardian, the RQ-4 Global Hawk, and potentially highly secretive assets like the RQ-170 and RQ-180 stealth surveillance platforms. Conventional aircraft such as the KC-135 Stratotanker were essential in keeping the vast air armada fueled during the operation.
The concept and structure of Operation Absolute Resolve have undoubtedly been noted globally, particularly in Beijing, which has its own geopolitical ambitions. The operation underscores Washington’s willingness to use military might to achieve its objectives, signaling a new era in how the U.S. intends to shape its sphere of influence. The operation’s success will likely influence future military strategies and alliances, as nations around the world reassess their positions in response to this bold move by the United States.