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

List of Key Chapter Titles

1. Background: A Long-Planned Cross-Border Capture Operation
2. Launch of the Blitzkrieg Operation That Decided the Outcome Overnight
3. (1) Sudden Power Outage
4. (2) Firepower Strike
5. (3) Special Forces Infiltration
6. Instant Neutralization and Capture of Maduro in a Fortress Assault
7. (1) Assault and Breach
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 U.S.-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 U.S. 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 "narco-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 researching 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 cross-border capture operation. This was far from an impromptu military adventure but rather a strategic action "long-planned" over several months by the U.S. Trump administration. The background includes U.S. legal charges and economic sanctions against Maduro since 2020, as well as a series of meticulous preparations beginning in the second half of 2025. These preparations encompassed critical intelligence infiltration—Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agents deeply embedded in Venezuela, accurately tracking Maduro's movements and security details; military planning—with the Army's Delta Force as the main unit, conducting high-intensity, targeted training in simulated environments; and diplomatic and peripheral pressure—including Caribbean anti-drug operations, aircraft carrier battle group demonstrations, and even an ultimatum to Maduro himself, creating a comprehensive, multi-dimensional coercive posture.

The core section of the report chronologically deconstructs the complete execution chain of this "blitzkrieg." The operation was launched in the early hours of January 3, 2026, under the direct order of U.S. President Trump. Its initial phase demonstrated the characteristics of modern hybrid warfare: first, a cyber-attack paralyzed Caracas's power grid, seizing information dominance and creating chaos and cover. Immediately after, multi-domain joint strikes were launched simultaneously. The U.S. 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 cripple 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 altitude under heavy air cover.

The ground assault phase exhibited dual characteristics of high efficiency and intensity. Special operators breached Fuerte Tiuna, 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 U.S. side claimed only minor injuries and no fatalities among its personnel, the operation resulted in significant collateral casualties. Venezuelan sources 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. U.S. media estimates cited a total death toll of at least 40. Following the successful capture, U.S. 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 base, Maduro and his wife were finally transported to New York on January 4 and placed in a federal detention center, completing the process from physical capture to judicial transfer.

This 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 fell into high uncertainty. Reactions across Latin America were severely divided: left-wing governments in Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and others strongly condemned the U.S. action as a violation of international law; while right-wing 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 "violation of international law." Controversy also arose within the United States regarding the operation's legality and presidential 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, the "Multi-Domain Integrated Warfare Approach" combining cyber warfare, electronic warfare, aerial strikes, and special operations assault; third, the combination of precise intelligence and top-tier special forces like Delta Force, constituting "Intelligence-Led Operations and Elite Special Forces"; fourth, the strategy of "Risk Management and Limited Objectives," strictly defining the target, rapid withdrawal, and avoiding long-term occupation. This operation was not only a tactical success but also a strategic demonstration of strength with far-reaching implications. Its model will hold significant reference value for future "gray zone" conflicts and unconventional intervention operations among major powers.