Operation Absolute Resolve – Venezuela
In early January 2026, the United States conducted Operation Absolute Resolve, a large-scale joint special operations mission in Venezuela. The operation targeted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who was wanted by U.S. authorities on federal charges. The mission involved extensive coordination across U.S. Special Operations Command, with special operations aviation playing a critical role in nighttime infiltration, air assault, and extraction. No U.S. personnel were killed in the operation, although U.S. service members were wounded.
U.S. forces executed a rapid precision raid into Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation involved more than one hundred U.S. military aircraft, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, and multiple special operations elements. Following the raid, Maduro was transferred to U.S. custody to face federal charges.
Operation Absolute Resolve underscored the continued relevance of U.S. special operations aviation in complex environments. The ability to conduct deep nighttime aviation operations with speed, surprise, and precision remains a hallmark of the Night Stalkers’ enduring mission.
History
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the “Night Stalkers,” is the U.S. Army’s premier special operations aviation unit. The regiment has supported missions from Grenada and Panama to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia during Operation Gothic Serpent.
Formed in 1981 in the aftermath of the failed 1980 Iran hostage rescue attempt, the organization that became the 160th was created to provide dedicated aviation support for special operations forces.
Early Operations
- Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983) – Supported Rangers and special operations forces.
- Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989) – Conducted nighttime special operations aviation missions.
- Operations Desert Shield / Desert Storm (1990–1991) – Conducted long-range helicopter raids and special operations aviation support.
Operation Gothic Serpent – Somalia, 1993
On 3–4 October 1993, Night Stalker MH-60 Black Hawks and MH-6 Little Birds supported U.S. special operations forces during a mission in Mogadishu, Somalia. When two Black Hawks were shot down, 160th crews repeatedly flew into intense enemy fire to support isolated ground forces and evacuate casualties.
Global War on Terror and Beyond
Following the attacks of 11 September 2001, the 160th deployed to Afghanistan and supported some of the earliest U.S. combat operations of the war. Night Stalkers later supported sustained special operations missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Identity and Legacy
- Nickname: The Night Stalkers
- Motto: “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit”
- Aircraft: MH-60 Black Hawk, MH-47 Chinook, and MH-6 Little Bird variants
Enduring Role
From Grenada and Panama to Mogadishu, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Operation Absolute Resolve, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) has remained a central aviation element of U.S. special operations.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that honor the legacy of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne).