The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from his residence was the result of an insider traitor, the British news agency Reuters has reported. The report says that a person very close to Maduro was regularly providing secret information to the US intelligence agency, the CIA, which led to the US military operation being successful in a short time.
The operation, known as “Operation Absolute Resolve,” involved US special forces, the CIA and the FBI. Maduro’s location, daily routine and security structure were known in advance in the operation, which was planned for months, Reuters reported.
According to the report, Delta Force conducted exercises in a structure similar to Maduro’s secure compound. A CIA team operating in Venezuela since last August gathered information through local sources.
The operation, authorized by US President Donald Trump four days ago, was launched late Friday night by special forces following airstrikes on military installations in Caracas and elsewhere. Maduro and his wife surrendered overnight.
Trump later posted a photo of a handcuffed Maduro on social media and called the success of the operation “amazing.” He also outlined his plans for future control of Venezuela and the use of the country’s oil resources.
Reuters reported that at the center of the entire operation was an inside source—who, despite being Maduro’s ‘man of the house’, ultimately paved the way for his downfall.