The two ‘beasts’ of the air that the US used to capture Maduro in the heart of Caracas: an example of “speed and controlled violence”

On January 3, Nicolás Maduro was detained in Venezuela following a U.S.-led operation that deployed two specialized aircraft – the F-22 and the F-36. The mission was executed at extraordinary speed, with tightly controlled use of force.

These aircraft, considered second-generation platforms, were tasked with sharing data in real time and ensuring that no Venezuelan aircraft could take off without being detected.

The operation also involved the MH-47G Chinook, a helicopter designed for high-risk nighttime missions. Its pilots are trained to operate in extreme conditions, flying at very low altitude and without external lighting, relying solely on advanced sensors and night-vision systems.

The backbone of the Maduro operation

The MH-47G Chinooks formed the backbone of the mission. They are equipped with in-flight refueling probes, auxiliary fuel tanks, terrain-following radar and reinforced armor, allowing them to operate deep inside hostile environments.

Operating alongside them were MH-60L Direct Action Penetrators, armed with 70-millimeter rockets and Hellfire missiles capable of neutralizing threats with high precision. They also carry side-mounted machine guns and advanced self-protection systems.

Coordination between the different aircraft was meticulous. While the MH-47Gs transported the assault teams, the MH-60Ls secured the aerial perimeter and remained on standby in case of emerging threats.

The helicopters followed routes designed to avoid urban obstacles and potential pockets of resistance. The ground unit tasked with carrying out the assault was Delta Force, a U.S. Army special operations command specializing in the capture or elimination of high-value targets.

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