One of the many U.S. special operations elements that took part in the recent attack on Venezuela were the “Night Stalkers,” a unit better known as the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment). Thanks to the viral spread of several video sequences, it was possible to observe the participation of their MH-60M, MH-60M DAP, and MH-47G helicopters—aircraft that were almost certainly responsible for infiltrating and exfiltrating U.S. special operations assault teams at their objectives.
The series of videos recorded during the Venezuelan early morning hours clearly shows Night Stalkers helicopters flying over Caracas with near-total impunity. These aircraft not only engaged multiple targets but were also likely responsible for transporting the special operations teams involved in the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The images show MH-47G Chinook transport helicopters, as well as MH-60M and MH-60M DAP aircraft. The latter corresponds to the armed version of the Black Hawk, a variant that can be equipped with 70mm Hydra rocket launchers, M134 Minigun machine guns, a 30mm M230 cannon, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, among other guided munitions. At least one of these helicopters was filmed opening fire with its cannon and rockets against a ground target.
Although the MH-47G helicopters are the heavyweights of the Night Stalkers, their true workhorse is the MH-60M Black Hawk. In its latest versions, this helicopter has incorporated a comprehensive suite of electro-optical systems, communications, navigation, and self-protection equipment, making it possibly one of the most capable and complex rotary-wing platforms in service with any armed force.
During the operations in Venezuela, no participation by the light MH/AH-6 Little Bird helicopters could be observed so far—platforms ideally suited for inserting special operators into very confined spaces. Alongside the well-known Night Stalkers aircraft, at least one MV/CV-22 Osprey was also involved, as well as, most likely, other specialized aerial assets.
In recent statements, U.S. authorities acknowledged that at least one of the helicopters involved in the raid on Caracas sustained damage from actions by Bolivarian forces. Despite the damage, the aircraft was able to return to base. The viral footage also shows the launch of a MANPADS-type missile or an RPG against the U.S. helicopters.
From the failure of Eagle Claw to the formation of the 160th SOAR
The origins of the Night Stalkers have several precedents in the history of U.S. special operations aviation; however, the failure of Operation Eagle Claw in Iran marked a turning point that prompted the U.S. Army to move forward with the creation of an Army Aviation unit dedicated to supporting special operations.
Operation Eagle Claw, carried out in April 1980 with the objective of rescuing U.S. citizens held hostage by the Iranian regime at the U.S. Embassy, “…revealed systemic problems in U.S. joint warfare and special operations capabilities, including air support for Special Operations Forces…”
Task Force 160 was conceived as part of Operation Honey Badger, a joint effort by the U.S. Armed Forces to prepare another rescue attempt. For this initiative, the U.S. Army formed two ad hoc task forces within the 101st Airborne Division: Task Force 158 and Task Force 160. Although a new rescue attempt was ultimately not carried out due to the release of the hostages in January 1981, the efforts undertaken during those days were the genesis of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), the Night Stalkers.
TF 160 later evolved into the 160th Aviation Battalion, a unit activated on August 15, 1981, which would go on to break with the existing force structure of U.S. Army Aviation, its doctrine, and conventional training models. However, the Night Stalkers would be forced to endure a difficult path, filled with challenges and hardships that ultimately helped refine and shape the force as it exists today—a force that has now added a new operation in Venezuela to its record.
Illustrative cover image. Credits: USMC – Cpl. Jaye Townsend
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