Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret, claims that the CIA and FBI sabotaged his 2020 raid to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, alleging he had support from the Trump administration. Goudreau’s operation failed, resulting in fatalities and imprisonment of associates, while U.S. officials deny involvement. His ongoing legal troubles complicate his assertions as he navigates serious charges of weapons smuggling.
A former Green Beret, Jordan Goudreau, has publicly criticized the CIA and FBI, alleging that the agencies conspired to sabotage his 2020 attempt to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Goudreau’s legal representatives disclosed that he had purportedly received authorization for the clandestine operation from senior U.S. government officials, including the Trump administration. The mission, known as Operation Gideon, resulted in several fatalities among combatants and left two of Goudreau’s associates imprisoned in Venezuela. Despite the lack of evidence for U.S. government approval of the invasion, Goudreau contends that he was acting under official direction, pointing to meetings with aides to Venezuela’s opposition leader, Juan Guaidó.
Goudreau’s claims have been met with skepticism as U.S. officials have repeatedly denied any involvement in the failed invasion. The operation, which also aimed to help Maduro’s opposition, turned disastrous as Goudreau’s armed group was captured by Venezuelan forces, leading to accusations against Goudreau of mental instability and lack of credible support. Goudreau, who is facing weapons smuggling charges, remains adamant that changes in the political climate could lead to his exoneration and continued calls for justice against agencies he believes undermined his efforts. His legal troubles are compounded by ongoing court proceedings, during which prosecutors intend to present evidence linking him to the smuggling of weapons.
The events surrounding the failed raid in Venezuela in 2020 are rooted in a broader context of U.S. foreign policy towards the Maduro regime, characterized by attempts to destabilize his government and support opposition leaders. Jordan Goudreau is a former member of the U.S. Special Forces, and he claims that his mission was sanctioned by U.S. authorities at the highest level, despite the lack of documentation or approval from official channels. This incident arose amidst heightened tensions in Venezuela, especially concerning allegations of election fraud against Maduro and a consistent U.S. stance advocating for regime change. Goudreau’s situation exemplifies the complexities involved in covert operations and the blurred lines of authorization when dealing with foreign interventions.
In summary, Jordan Goudreau’s allegations against the CIA and FBI highlight the contentious nature of U.S. involvement in Venezuela and the challenges that arise within covert operations. The failed Operation Gideon has provided a platform for Goudreau to voice his grievances, yet the lack of confirmed support from the U.S. government raises questions about the legitimacy of his claims. As legal proceedings continue, the ramifications of this incident may have lasting impacts on perceptions of U.S. foreign policy and covert operations in sensitive geopolitical landscapes.
Original Source: apnews.com
