Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

U.S. Operation Targets Maduro, Reveals Venezuela's Military Weaknesses

1/10/2026

37 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Operation Absolute Resolve aimed to capture President Nicolás Maduro.
The operation involved around 150 aircraft.
Venezuela's Buk-M2E and S-300VM air defenses were ineffective against U.S. forces, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Analysts' assessment notes U.S. capabilities and weaknesses in Venezuela's command and control, training, and equipment readiness.
The aftermath revealed significant damage to Venezuelan military assets.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989, known as Operation Just Cause, aimed to depose dictator Manuel Noriega and restore democracy. This operation involved over 27,000 troops and highlighted U.S. military influence in Latin America. Such interventions echo earlier actions, like the 1954 CIA coup in Guatemala, reflecting a pattern of U.S. involvement in regional governance and stability.

1 of 2

Story summary

Operation Absolute Resolve aimed to capture President Nicolás Maduro.
The operation involved around 150 aircraft.
Venezuela's Buk-M2E and S-300VM air defenses were ineffective against U.S. forces, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Analysts' assessment notes U.S. capabilities and weaknesses in Venezuela's command and control, training, and equipment readiness.
The aftermath revealed significant damage to Venezuelan military assets.

1 / 2