Review of the U.S. "Inherent Resolve" Special Operations Campaign

Key Chapter Title List

1. The Background of the Operation: A Long-Planned Transnational Capture
2. The Launch of the Operation: Decisive Victory in a Single Night
3. (1) Sudden Power Outage
4. (2) Firepower Strike
5. (3) Special Forces Infiltration
6. Instantaneous Neutralization and Capture of Maduro in a Fortress Assault
7. (1) Breaching and Entry
8. (2) Intense Withdrawal
9. Subsequent Transfer from the Caribbean Sea to the New York Court
10. (1) Maritime Transit
11. (2) Transfer to the United States
12. (3) Legal Follow-up
13. Major Shock in US-Latin America Relations and Multi-Party Game
14. Expert Analysis: Reasons for the Success of Operation Absolute Resolve
15. (1) Strategic Surprise and Meticulous Planning
16. (2) Multi-Domain Integrated Warfare Approach
17. (3) Intelligence-Led Operations and Elite Special Forces
18. (4) Risk Management and Limited Objectives

Document Introduction

In early January 2026, the US military successfully executed Operation Absolute Resolve in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Its core objective was to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was indicted and had a bounty placed on him by the United States on charges including drug trafficking and terrorism. This operation was not only one of the boldest and most controversial direct military interventions by the United States in Latin America since the Cold War but also provides an extremely typical case study for examining modern high-end special operations, national power projection, and geopolitical games. This report, based on the integrated analysis of open-source intelligence, official statements, and multi-source reporting, aims to provide a systematic review and in-depth assessment of the operation.

The report first details the complex background of this transnational capture operation. This was far from an impromptu military adventure but a long-planned strategic action by the US Trump administration over several months. The background includes the US legal charges and economic sanctions against Maduro since 2020, as well as a series of meticulous preparations that began in the second half of 2025. These preparations encompassed critical intelligence infiltration—Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agents deeply embedded in Venezuela, precisely tracking Maduro's movements and security details; military planning—intensive, targeted training in simulated environments with the Army's Delta Force as the main force; and diplomatic and peripheral pressure—including counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea, aircraft carrier battle group demonstrations, and even an ultimatum to Maduro himself, creating a comprehensive, multi-dimensional pressure posture.

The core section of the report chronologically dissects the complete execution chain of this blitzkrieg. The operation was launched in the early hours of January 3, 2026, under the direct order of US President Trump. Its initial phase showcased the characteristics of modern hybrid warfare: first, a cyber-attack crippled Caracas's power grid, seizing information dominance and creating chaos and cover. Subsequently, multi-domain joint strikes were launched simultaneously. The US military deployed over 150 aircraft to conduct precision firepower strikes on five key targets, including the Francisco de Miranda Air Base, Fuerte Tiuna Military Fortress, and the Port of La Guaira, aiming to paralyze Venezuela's air defense, command, and communication systems. Concurrently, helicopters from the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers), carrying Delta Force operators, infiltrated Caracas at ultra-low altitudes under strong air cover.

The ground assault phase exhibited dual characteristics of efficiency and intensity. Special operations forces breached Fuerte Tiuna Fortress, where Maduro was located, at 02:01 local time. After encountering sporadic resistance, they located and captured Maduro and his wife, who were attempting to flee to a reinforced safe room, within minutes. Although the US claimed only minor injuries and no fatalities on its side, the operation caused significant collateral casualties. Venezuela stated that most of Maduro's security team was shot dead on the spot. The Cuban government also confirmed that 32 Cuban military personnel in Venezuela were killed during the resistance. US media estimates cited a total death toll of at least 40. Following the successful capture, US forces transferred the targets via helicopter to the pre-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea. After transiting through the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Maduro and his wife were ultimately transported to New York on January 4 and placed in a federal detention center, completing the process from physical capture to judicial transfer.

The report further analyzes the widespread geopolitical shockwaves and international reactions triggered by the operation. Domestically in Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was recognized by the military as the acting leader, but the regime's legitimacy and future direction plunged into high uncertainty. Reactions in Latin America were severely divided: left-leaning governments in Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and others strongly condemned the US action as a violation of international law; while right-leaning governments in Argentina, Ecuador, and others expressed understanding or support. Globally, China and Russia, as Venezuela's primary supporters, harshly criticized the United States in the UN Security Council, accusing it of armed aggression and violating international law. Domestically within the US, controversies arose regarding the operation's legality and the President's war powers.

Finally, from a professional military analysis perspective, the report summarizes four key factors for the success of Operation Absolute Resolve: First, strategic surprise and meticulous planning based on long-term intelligence infiltration and high secrecy. Second, a multi-domain integrated warfare approach combining cyber warfare, electronic warfare, air strikes, and special operations assaults. Third, the combination of precision intelligence and elite special forces like Delta Force, forming an intelligence-led and special forces-centric model. Fourth, a risk management and limited objectives strategy involving strictly defined targets, rapid withdrawal, and avoidance of long-term occupation. This operation was not only a tactical success but also a strategically significant demonstration of strength with far-reaching implications. Its model will serve as an important reference for future gray-zone conflicts and unconventional interventions among major powers.