The U.S. Army’s elite Night Stalkers, formally known as the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, are among the military’s most specialized and deadly forces, and they’ve just been deployed to the Caribbean as part of President Trump’s escalating show of force in Venezuela.
This elite unit is renowned for its ability to insert special operations forces, such as Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, or Delta Force personnel, into high-risk battle zones using attack and transport helicopters. The Night Stalkers are equipped with a range of helicopters, including the MH-60 Black Hawk and the smaller “Little Birds,” which are often used in the most dangerous environments where stealth and precision are crucial.
Earlier this month, video footage emerged showing Night Stalkers helicopters training in Trinidad, which lies about 500 miles east of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. The visible deployment of these helicopters in training exercises hints at potential missions aimed at combating Venezuelan drug cartels or even confronting the Maduro regime itself, according to defense expert Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Colonel with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The Night Stalkers are specifically known for their ability to operate in high-risk environments with precision, utilizing cutting-edge surveillance equipment and formidable attack capabilities. These helicopters have been spotted near the Venezuelan coast, where they are believed to be involved in counter-narcotics operations. The operation could also involve seizing drug-smuggling vessels, a capability that has not yet been confirmed but is considered part of their mission scope.
Trump has recently made headlines by authorizing military action against Venezuela’s drug smuggling operations. His administration has destroyed six alleged drug-carrying vessels in the region, with one vessel loaded with fentanyl and other illegal narcotics. The military's operations off the coast of Venezuela are part of an ongoing effort to curb drug trafficking and weaken the influence of the Venezuelan regime, which is led by the left-wing dictator Nicolás Maduro.
Trump has also confirmed covert CIA operations inside Venezuela, which he justified by citing the regime’s role in sending criminal elements, including drug traffickers, into the U.S. He also warned Maduro that he "doesn’t want to f–k around with the United States," signaling the administration’s increasing impatience with the Venezuelan government.
In contrast, Maduro has been mobilizing his own forces, though they are reportedly limited in size. Venezuela’s army is said to number around 125,000 troops, but Maduro claims to have the ability to rally a militia of millions for defense. His government has been airing propaganda videos to demonstrate the readiness of its citizens to defend their country, including footage of civilians running obstacle courses in preparation for potential combat.
As tensions rise, the Night Stalkers and other U.S. special operations forces stand ready to intervene if needed, while President Trump continues to escalate his rhetoric and military presence near Venezuela. The question remains whether this show of force will lead to direct confrontation or if diplomatic efforts will prevail.
