C.I.A. Source Inside Venezuelan Government Helped Track Maduro

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Julian E. Barnes and Eric SchmittJanuary 3, 2026 at 05:11 PM

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medium article 2 min

The CIA had a source within the Venezuelan government who provided information on President Nicolás Maduro's location, leading to his capture by US special operation forces. The agency used stealth drones to monitor Maduro's movements and gathered intelligence on his "pattern of life" through a group of officers working clandestinely in Venezuela since August. A $50 million reward offered by the US government for information leading to Maduro's capture likely aided the CIA in recruiting the Venezuelan source. The operation was the result of months of planning and a deep partnership between the CIA and the military. The CIA had Maduro's location precisely pinpointed from early on in the planning process. The mission was carried out as a law enforcement operation by US special operation forces, with the CIA playing a critical role in planning and execution.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States ×280% Nicolás Maduro ×4100% C.I.A. ×3100%

Keywords

cia operations 90% venezuela crisis 80% covert operations 70% intelligence gathering 70% special operations 60% stealth drones 60% us foreign policy 50% regime change 50% surveillance 40%