The Rest Is Classified 114. Intelligence Scoop: How Trump Captured Maduro in Venezuela (Ep 1)
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Jan 5, 2026 Dive into the dramatic tale of how Trump captured Venezuelan President Maduro, unraveling the US’s intricate strategy. Discover the intelligence behind a massive military buildup and the radical shift from law enforcement to military action. Hear about the CIA’s covert operations, including the pivotal human source providing intel on Maduro's habits. Explore the thrilling night of the raid, complete with fast-roping troops and firefights, and witness the complexities of operational success against the backdrop of legal dilemmas.
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Why Venezuela Mattered To The US
- Venezuela became a major US focus because Maduro centralized power, wrecked the economy, and aligned with US rivals like Russia, China, and Iran.
- The Trump administration framed Maduro as a narco-terrorism threat and escalated pressure with indictments and a $50m bounty.
Maritime Strikes Backed By Massive Buildup
- The US combined maritime strikes with a major military buildup in the Caribbean to pressure Venezuela and prepare options for escalation.
- That buildup included carriers, destroyers, amphibious ships and aircraft, the largest regional deployment in a generation.
Allied Concerns Over Legality
- The legal basis for maritime strikes was contested and prompted some allies, like the UK, to limit intelligence sharing.
- That friction reflected concerns about using counterterror tactics against drug trafficking without clear legal justification.