In a rare public disclosure, a senior Israeli military commander has revealed details of a secretive and precise international operation that led to the capture of a key suspect in an assassination plot targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The mission, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, was described as a textbook example of discreet international cooperation and intelligence execution.
The Covert Mission Unveiled
Brigadier General Dan Razin Caine, who heads the International Cooperation Division within the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), shed light on the operation during a recent conference. He confirmed that Israeli intelligence and special forces played a crucial role in locating and apprehending a suspect connected to the 2018 attempt on Maduro's life. The operation was carried out at the request of a foreign government, which intelligence sources confirm was Venezuela.
The plot, which unfolded in Caracas in August 2018, involved drones laden with explosives detonating near a military parade where President Maduro was delivering a speech. While Maduro survived, the incident sent shockwaves through the region. Following the attack, Venezuelan authorities sought international assistance to track down individuals they believed had fled the country.
A Discreet and Precise Collaboration
General Caine emphasized the clandestine nature of Operation Absolute Resolve. He stated the mission was executed with utmost discretion, avoiding public fanfare or media attention that typically surrounds such cross-border actions. The focus was solely on precision and effectiveness.
The target was identified, located, and captured without a single shot being fired, showcasing the operational finesse of the units involved. The general highlighted this as a prime example of how modern military cooperation can yield results without escalating into overt conflict. The suspect was subsequently transferred to the custody of the requesting nation to face justice under its legal system.
This revelation underscores the often-hidden world of global security collaboration, where nations leverage each other's unique intelligence and operational capabilities to address shared threats. Israel, with its renowned expertise in counter-terrorism and intelligence gathering, is frequently a sought-after partner in such endeavors, though the details rarely become public.
Implications for Global Security and Diplomacy
The successful execution of Operation Absolute Resolve carries significant implications. Firstly, it demonstrates a potent model for international security cooperation that operates below the radar of geopolitical tensions. Secondly, it marks a notable moment in Israel-Venezuela relations. At the time of the operation in 2019, Venezuela under Maduro had no formal diplomatic ties with Israel and was publicly a staunch critic of its policies.
This covert assistance reveals a more complex layer of pragmatic engagement between nations, even amidst public political disagreements. The operation suggests that on specific issues of state security, channels of communication and cooperation can remain open. For Venezuela, securing the capture was a major victory for its intelligence and diplomatic outreach. For Israel, it was an opportunity to demonstrate reliability and capability as a security partner on the global stage.
General Caine's decision to discuss this operation now is seen by analysts as a strategic communication move. It serves to bolster Israel's image as a key player in global counter-terrorism efforts and showcases the IDF's ability to project its skills internationally with precision and discretion. The story of Operation Absolute Resolve is a compelling chapter in the annals of modern intelligence and special operations, where success is measured in silence and the neutralization of threats far from home.
