Even before the first US military strike on an alleged drug-carrying boat from Venezuela in early September, the plan to remove Maduro from power was already in motion. The assets included a CIA source operating within the Venezuelan government who assisted the United States with tracking Maduro’s location and movements ahead of his capture, one source briefed on the operation told CNN. Caine said Maduro and his wife “gave up” to the US military personnel before being flown out of the country. Vance joined several late-night meetings via secure video conference with top national security officials leading up to the operation. Asked by CNN whether he’d taken into consideration the mixed track record of American efforts to oust dictators, the president set himself apart.

Source: CNN January 05, 2026 05:59 UTC