RQ-170 Sentinel stealth drone reportedly supports U.S. forces during Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela

The mission, referred to as Operation Absolute Resolve, involved a large-scale deployment of U.S. military assets, including more than 150 aircraft across intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and strike roles. These assets supported elite Army Delta Force commandos tasked with seizing Maduro inside Caracas.

Footage shared on social media showed a flying-wing aircraft consistent with the RQ-170 returning to the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, indicating the platform may have operated from the site. Local observers also reported increased aircraft activity at the airfield around the time of the operation.

Developed by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, the RQ-170 is designed to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in contested environments and to track high-value targets in support of special operations forces. Although the United States Department of Defense has not confirmed the Sentinel’s involvement, the reported activity is consistent with the aircraft’s tightly controlled and rarely observed operational profile.