Ex-Green Beret Arrested for 2020 Venezuelan Coup Attempt

Jordan Goudreau, a former U.S. military veteran, has been arrested in connection with a failed armed incursion aimed at overthrowing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in May 2020. Goudreau, who headed security firm Silvercorp USA, had claimed responsibility for the raid. Further details of the criminal case are pending.

Jordan Goudreau, a former U.S. military veteran, has been detained in connection with a thwarted armed operation intended to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in May 2020, according to court records disclosed on Wednesday.

Detainees included two ex-Green Berets, Luke Denman and Airan Berry, who were part of the mission reportedly orchestrated by Goudreau. Denman and Berry were released in a subsequent prisoner exchange involving Colombian businessman Alex Saab.

Goudreau's capture and the failed incursion highlight ongoing political tensions in Venezuela, where the opposition claims its candidate won more than double the votes of the incumbent, Maduro.