Amid the recent strikes carried out by United States forces against military targets in Venezuela as part of Operation Absolute Resolve, details are beginning to emerge regarding the material losses suffered by the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB). According to preliminary information, at least two Buk-M2E surface-to-air missile systems, one 9S510E mobile radar, and several Chinese-origin armored and logistical vehicles were reportedly destroyed, mainly at the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas and in the Higuerote area.
At the Caracas military garrison, the attacks directly affected a grouping of Chinese-made CS/VP-4 “Lynx” 8×8 armored vehicles produced by NORINCO, along with Beifang-Benz NG2629 6×6 trucks used for troop transport and logistical support. Available imagery shows fires and the complete destruction of several of these assets, as well as damage to infrastructure, representing a significant loss for the mechanized units deployed in the area.
In parallel, the destruction of a 9S510E radar—an element associated with the Buk systems—was reported near Higuerote. The loss of this command-and-control component reduces early-warning and launcher coordination capabilities, temporarily compromising the FANB’s medium-range air defense coverage in that region.
Despite the material damage, other strategic systems reportedly remain operational. S-300V surface-to-air missile launchers deployed at key defensive positions were not hit. Likewise, the Bolivarian Military Aviation continues to operate its F-16A/B and Sukhoi Su-30 fighters, which conducted flights following the Operation Absolute Resolve strikes, confirming their availability. As for the rotary-wing aviation component, Mi-17 helicopters along with a Mi-26 based at Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base (known as “La Carlota”) were not damaged.
So far, there has been no official statement regarding casualties suffered by the FANB, although unconfirmed sources indicate the presence of wounded and killed personnel. It should be noted that during the operation to extract Nicolás Maduro to the United States, the Cuban personnel contingent linked to the security of the then Venezuelan president reportedly suffered numerous casualties. The scale of the material losses represents a considerable blow to Venezuela’s military infrastructure, although its main strategic defense systems would remain operational.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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