The Rest Is Classified 115. Intelligence Scoop: Why Venezuela Isn’t About Oil (Ep 2)
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Jan 7, 2026 The hosts delve into the U.S. motivations for action in Venezuela, challenging the notion that it's solely about oil and drugs. They explore how defectors and CIA operatives enabled critical operations against Maduro's regime. The podcast highlights the strategic significance of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and historical parallels with past U.S. interventions. Discussions also touch on the geopolitical fallout of Trump's policies and potential influences on the region’s future, raising questions about the stability that follows Maduro's removal.
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Operation Built On Deep Human Intelligence
- The US operation to capture Nicolás Maduro showed unusually precise intelligence and coordination among CIA, Delta Force, and defectors.
- David McCloskey and Gordon Corera highlight the role of high-level Venezuelan defectors and in-place military contacts in enabling the raid.
Drugs Framed As Justification, Not Full Motive
- The drugs narrative served as a legal and political justification but doesn't fully explain the operation.
- Gordon Corera argues Venezuela mainly transships cocaine to Europe and is not a primary source of US fentanyl.
Oil Is A Long-Term Strategic Prize
- Oil and mineral wealth are central strategic motivators for the US interest in Venezuela.
- The country holds the world's largest proven oil reserves but needs years of rebuilding to become productive again.
