The Aircraft Behind the U.S. Raid on Venezuela

Surprise attack involves fighters, bombers, utility helicopters, and uncrewed drones.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, January 06, 2026 at 04:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

F-22 Raptor [Credit: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. launched "Operation Absolute Resolve," a large-scale aerial attack on Venezuela involving over 150 aircraft, resulting in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The complex mission utilized a diverse array of advanced aerial systems from multiple U.S. military branches, targeting communications and military infrastructure.
The operation reportedly featured novel deployments, including the suspected first-time U.S. combat use of kamikaze-style drones, specialized Black Hawk helicopters, and the RQ-170 Sentinel stealth drone.

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More than 150 aircraft took part in the U.S. attack on Venezuela on Saturday, including some reportedly deployed for the first time or in novel situations.

The mission, code-named Operation Absolute Resolve, saw fighters and bombers strike communications infrastructure and military sites while Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested at their compound in Caracas. The two were taken on board the USS Iwo Jima before being flown to New York.