Decoding the Capturing of Nicolás Maduro: What We Know So Far

Sat Jan 10 2026 22:31:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A detailed look into the intelligence operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, uncovering the complexities and unanswered questions surrounding the event.

The capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a significant intelligence operation that began months prior, with the CIA employing undercover operatives to gather crucial information. Despite the success of the mission, several mysteries remain, including the identity of key insiders and the technical operations behind the blackout in Caracas.

The continued mysteries surrounding the intelligence operation to capture Maduro

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A week on from the dramatic raid that captured Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, details of the intelligence surrounding the operation are becoming clearer, but some mysteries still remain.

The intelligence

The mission took months of planning and intelligence gathering. In August the CIA is believed to have sent a team of undercover officers into Venezuela. The US does not have a functioning embassy in the country, so the team could not use diplomatic cover and were working in what is known in the intelligence worlds as a denied area. They were on the ground to scout targets and recruit people who could help.

US officials have stated they had one particular source who provided detailed intelligence on Maduro's whereabouts, critical to the operation. The identity of this source remains protected, though it has been suggested they are a high-ranking government official close to Maduro.

The CIA’s intelligence melded with technical resources, creating a comprehensive picture that allowed for the operation's execution. However, the individual's identity who played a key role remains a mystery, raising questions about their fate post-operation.

The mission

The scale, speed and success of the operation were unprecedented. This thing worked like clockwork. That doesn't happen often, noted David Fitzgerald, a former CIA chief.

Approximately 150 aircraft were involved, with helicopters flying at low altitudes to reach Maduro’s compound effectively.

The battle

The planning and operation execution together indicate extensive foreknowledge of the layout of Maduro’s residence, Fuerte Tiuna. US forces reached him just as he attempted to secure himself in a steel safe room, allowing for a swift apprehension.

The operation has raised questions about potential internal collusion, as reports indicated that security details around Maduro were insufficient during the raid, indicating a breakdown that could suggest insider assistance.

The plan

Prior to the execution, the CIA conducted assessments of the implications of removing Maduro, finding that working with regime elements would provide more stability than simply installing opposition forces. There were likely back-channel communications to facilitate smoother transitions post-operation.

In conclusion, while the mission achieved its primary objective with minimal casualties on the US side, the complexities surrounding the intelligence and execution of the operation suggest an ongoing investigation into its broader implications and the remaining secrets that need unraveling.