📍 What Happened
In early January 2026, the United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela — dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve — that culminated in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The mission involved coordinated air strikes, electronic warfare, and rapid insertion of special operations forces. U.S. officials report no American aircraft lost and no U.S. combat fatalities during the operation. �
Wikipedia +1
✈️ Air Power & Air Defence Breakdown
U.S. military planners deployed more than 150 aircraft in the operation, including fighters, electronic warfare platforms (like EA-18G Growlers), intelligence and surveillance assets, and support helicopters. This layered approach helped isolate and suppress Venezuela’s air defence network — which included Russian-made systems — enabling U.S. forces to operate with relative freedom over key targets. �
Wikipedia +1
Experts suggest that electronic warfare, stealth platforms, cyber operations, and precise timing were critical in degrading radar and anti-air capabilities early in the campaign. �
Canal 44 +1
⚠️ Civilian Impact and Casualties
The Venezuelan government has reported around 100 deaths from the strikes and hostilities, including military personnel and civilians. These figures have not been independently verified but reflect Caracas’s assessment of the human toll. �
Reuters +1
📊 Political Aftermath
The U.S. Senate advanced a War Powers Resolution in response to the operation, with lawmakers pushing to restrict further unilateral military actions without congressional approval. This bipartisan effort highlights domestic debate over executive military authority. �
The Guardian
Meanwhile, Maduro’s political status remains contested: reports indicate he has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges in U.S. courts while still asserting he is Venezuela’s rightful president. �
SpaceWar
🌎 Regional & Global Reactions
Latin American governments — including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay — have publicly criticized the operation as a breach of sovereignty and a dangerous precedent for regional stability. Allies like Cuba and Nicaragua denounced the strikes as “state terrorism” and diplomatic pressure on the U.S. is mounting. �
Firstpost
🧠 Technical and Strategic Notes
Analysis suggests this mission showcases evolving U.S. doctrine on multi-domain operations, blending:
Cyber and electronic warfare
Stealth and suppression of air defence
Rapid special operations raids
This level of integration — combining kinetic strikes with electromagnetic and cyber effects — is seen as the benchmark for future high-intensity conflicts. �
DefenseScoop +1
#venezuela #air #USTradeDeficitShrink #Write2Earn #BREAKING