The Green Beret-led Botched Coup in Venezuela

In this episode of Focal Point, Mike Glover and Andy Stumpf discuss the case of Jordan Goudreau. 

From THE ARMY TIMES report: https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2024/09/05/former-green-beret-behind-failed-venezuela-raid-released-pending-trial/

This September, a federal judge ordered the release of a former U.S. Green Beret indicted in connection with a failed 2020 coup attempt against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, rejecting arguments he would flee while awaiting trial on weapons smuggling charges.

Jordan Goudreau was arrested in July after a four-year investigation into the amphibious raid that ended with several combatants killed by Venezuelan security forces and two of his U.S. Army Special Forces buddies locked away in a Maduro government prison.

Back in 2020, Goudreau attempted to supply and plan a mission that he hoped would end in President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest. However, two boats carrying two former American Green Berets and 60 Venezuelan dissidents were intercepted. Their failed plan was to raid military bases in the country and ignite a rebellion. 

The plot, exposed by The Associated Press, was carried out by a ragtag group of Venezuelan army deserters whom Goudreau allegedly helped arm and train in neighboring Colombia.

Goudreau immediately claimed responsibility for “Operation Gideon”, but said he was acting in concert with Venezuela’s opposition to protect democracy.

Goudreau has no criminal record and was a three-time Bronze Star recipient in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original.