U.S Used Night Stalker MH-60L Gunship Helicopter, Not AH-1Z, in Operation “Absolute Resolve”

Caracas / Washington: The helicopter strike near Fort Tiuna, carried out during the U.S. mission known as Operation “Absolute Resolve,” was not executed by an AH-1Z Viper, despite widespread early claims. A closer examination of open-source imagery, aircraft silhouettes, and known operational patterns indicates the platform involved was an MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) operated by the U.S. Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, widely known as the “Night Stalkers.”

How the Misidentification Emerged

Initial reports relied heavily on short, low-resolution combat footage circulating on social media, where any heavily armed helicopter was quickly assumed to be a dedicated attack platform. The assumption led many observers to identify the aircraft as an AH-1Z Viper, a helicopter synonymous with rocket and missile strikes. However, analysts reviewing clearer frames noted a Black Hawk–derived fuselage, a single wide cabin section, and short wing stubs fitted with multiple weapon pylons. These characteristics are incompatible with the narrow, tandem-cockpit design of the AH-1Z but are signature features of the MH-60L DAP.

MH-60L DAP: Built for Direct Action

The MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator is not a transport helicopter, despite its Black Hawk origins. It is a purpose-configured special-operations gunship, optimized for precision strikes, armed escort, and suppression of enemy positions. Publicly available technical data show the platform is capable of carrying automatic cannons, miniguns, heavy machine guns, unguided rocket pods, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and FIM-92 Stinger missiles, depending on mission requirements.

A defining capability of the MH-60L DAP is air-to-air refueling, which allows extended operational range, longer loiter time, and deep-penetration missions without reliance on nearby bases. This endurance, combined with heavy and flexible armament, makes the aircraft particularly suited for high-risk special-operations environments.

The Role of the 160th SOAR

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment provides aviation support to U.S. special-operations forces worldwide and specializes in night warfare, low-level flight, and precision insertion and strike missions. Its aircraft are routinely modified for mission-specific roles, and the MH-60L DAP is central to the regiment’s armed escort and direct-fire support mission set.

The reported operational environment around Fort Tiuna — a heavily secured military complex — aligns closely with scenarios in which Night Stalker gunships are typically employed, supporting time-sensitive objectives and integrated air-ground operations.

Why the Distinction Is Significant

The difference between an AH-1Z Viper and an MH-60L DAP is strategically and operationally important. The AH-1Z is primarily a U.S. Marine Corps attack helicopter designed for conventional battlefield roles. The MH-60L DAP, by contrast, is a multi-role special-operations platform, usually deployed alongside covert or direct-action ground forces.

Identifying the aircraft as an MH-60L DAP suggests a mission focused on precision, speed, and tight coordination with special-operations elements, rather than a conventional attack helicopter strike.

What Remains Unconfirmed

Despite strong visual and technical indicators, official confirmation from U.S. authorities has not been released. Details regarding the exact weapons loadout, the number of aircraft involved, and the specific tactical objectives of Operation “Absolute Resolve” remain undisclosed, consistent with the classified nature of special-operations missions.

Assessment

Based on open-source intelligence, airframe characteristics, and known deployment patterns, the helicopter that struck targets near Fort Tiuna was not an AH-1Z Viper, but an MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator from the 160th SOAR. The episode highlights how modern combat footage can be rapidly misinterpreted — and why accurate platform identification is essential to understanding the true character of contemporary military operations.