A Chinese defence expert attempted to decode how the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a swift military action that involved 150 aircraft launched from across the Western Hemisphere, including F-18, F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, B-1 bombers and drones.
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Chinese military affairs expert Zhang Junshe, who analysed information available to the public on the US military action, said the US operation was marked by close coordination among its forces and tactical elements.
Speaking to Global Times, he observed that the US military initially deployed more than 150 aircraft to strike major targets in Venezuela, including air defense systems.
These strikes diverted the attention of the Venezuelan forces and enabled US special forces to infiltrate the president’s residence.
The mission’s success, according to him, depended largely on the overwhelming military superiority of US forces.
Zhang added that US forces likely also deployed electronic warfare capabilities that disabled the Venezuelan capital’s power grid and command systems, preventing the country's military from mounting an effective response.
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Zhang pointed out that compared to the earlier US military actions like the ones carried out during the Gulf War 35 years ago, the US deployed more advanced weapons and equipment, including F-35 stealth fighters that likely neutralised Venezuela’s S-300 air defense systems.
The second notable development, according to the Chinese military expert, is the reported use of stealth drones in the mission to carry out aerial surveillance over Venezuela and collect intelligence on Maduro’s whereabouts.
A Reuters report said the intelligence agency also had an asset close to Maduro who would monitor the movements and was poised to pinpoint his exact location as the military operation unfolded.
“This further demonstrated that the biggest weakness of a fortress often lies within it,” Zhang was quoted as saying.
