US military: More than 150 aircraft participated in the attack on Venezuela.
The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff described the plan for the attack on Venezuela, named Operation Absolute Resolve, as “secret” and “precise.” He stated that it required “all elements” of the joint force, including soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and personnel working in full coordination with intelligence and law enforcement.
At a news conference held at Mar-a-Lago alongside US President Donald Trump, he noted, “One of our aircraft was hit, but it was still airworthy. As the president said this morning, all of our aircraft returned home, and those aircraft remained operational until the end of the mission during the operation at the complex.”
The aircraft involved in the operation included F-35, F-22, and F-18 fighters, as well as B-1 bombers and various support aircraft, along with a significant number of remotely piloted drones. The chairman explained that the mission of the aircraft was to provide air cover for helicopters carrying an “extraction force” tasked with capturing Maduro and his wife.
He added, “As the forces began to withdraw from Venezuela, there were several defensive clashes, and the military chose a suitable day to minimize the risk of civilian casualties and maximize the element of surprise.”
Regarding the surrender of Maduro and his wife before capture, he continued: “The US military executed the operation while maintaining the element of complete surprise and after dismantling and disabling Venezuelan air defense systems. US forces arrived at the Maduro compound at 1:01 AM Eastern Time and took full control of the area.”
He reported that the helicopters came under fire upon arrival, prompting US forces to respond with “compulsory force.” Although one of the helicopters was hit, all US helicopters managed to return safely to base. He also mentioned that one of the US aircraft targeted during the operation remained intact.
The chairman claimed that Maduro and his wife “surrendered” before being captured and were subsequently detained by the US Department of Justice. According to him, they boarded the USS Iwo Jima at 3:29 AM Eastern Time.
The chairman continued by stating that the attacks utilized “unparalleled” intelligence capabilities and “years of experience in pursuing terrorists.” He emphasized that the “transmission operation” was so precise and calculated that it required more than “150 aircraft to operate in a coordinated manner at the exact time and place.”
He acknowledged that months of intelligence work were dedicated to gathering details about Maduro, including information about his residence and routine. Kane also highlighted the role of US intelligence teams in supporting the strikes, adding that both air and ground intelligence teams provided real-time reports to ground forces, ensuring that they could navigate the complex environment without undue risk. Several defensive engagements occurred as the forces withdrew from Venezuela.
“As we stand here now, our forces in the region remain on full alert, ready to exercise force and defend ourselves and our interests in the area,” the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff stated. In justifying the US strikes, he claimed that the operation serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to justice and their determination to hold accountable those who threaten peace and stability.