When the Venezuelan authorities said they had foiled a "maritime invasion" by "terrorist mercenaries" early on May 3 on the coast just north of Caracas, many (rightfully) doubted the veracity of the story.
Footage showed that something DID happen there, though.
Footage showed that something DID happen there, though.
Throughout the day, images of a cache of weapons and other equipment surfaced on social media.
The Venezuelan government alleged that they were part of a plot, launched from Colombia, to topple the government.
The Venezuelan government alleged that they were part of a plot, launched from Colombia, to topple the government.
That afternoon, Silvercorp USA's Goudreau put the matter to rest:
In a video statement, he confirmed that operation, and indicated that more of his forces were being deployed as part of the mission.
In a video statement, he confirmed that operation, and indicated that more of his forces were being deployed as part of the mission.
Goudreau, a decorated former Green Beret, was featured in a May 1 AP article.
The article is quite the journey.
It described a plot involving high-profile Venezuelan defectors, opposition leaders, and Goudreau coming together to create a military force.
apnews.com/79346b4e428676…
The article is quite the journey.
It described a plot involving high-profile Venezuelan defectors, opposition leaders, and Goudreau coming together to create a military force.
apnews.com/79346b4e428676…
Now, Goudreau is the head of Silvercorp USA, a private security company which he founded.
The company's website features promotional materials, including footage of Goudreau providing security at Trump rallies.
The company's website features promotional materials, including footage of Goudreau providing security at Trump rallies.
Goudreau and his cohorts surprised the world when, on May 3, they confirmed that the rather poorly thought-out plot described in the AP article was underway.
That day, eight of his men were killed and two others captured off the shores of Macuto.
That day, eight of his men were killed and two others captured off the shores of Macuto.
Despite these early loses, Goudreau remained defiant.
The Silvercorp USA Twitter account shared this message on the night of May 3, indicating that two U.S. citizens were on their way to Venezuela as part of this totally cool and normal plot.
😬
The Silvercorp USA Twitter account shared this message on the night of May 3, indicating that two U.S. citizens were on their way to Venezuela as part of this totally cool and normal plot.
😬
"Operacion Gedeon" was underway.
A Twitter account associated with the movement tweeted an image of two men it claimed were U.S. citizens, on a boat on their way to Venezuela, where they were captured on May 4.
A Twitter account associated with the movement tweeted an image of two men it claimed were U.S. citizens, on a boat on their way to Venezuela, where they were captured on May 4.
The Venezuelan government confirmed the capture of Luke Denman and Airan Berry, whom it accused of working directly with the Trump administration to overthrow Maduro.
The two are currently in custody.
The two are currently in custody.
The Venezuelan government also announced the arrest of two other people in connection to the plot.
Images of their alleged cache of weapons showed that there is at least one, uh, Airsoft rifle among them.
Hat tip to @AbraxasSpa
for first spotting it.
Images of their alleged cache of weapons showed that there is at least one, uh, Airsoft rifle among them.
Hat tip to @AbraxasSpa
for first spotting it.
@AbraxasSpa Javier Quintero, the man who appears beside Goudreau in the May 3 video and who is also active in this plot, said in an interview on May 4 that the operation is ongoing.
He suggested that further actions would take place.
He suggested that further actions would take place.
@AbraxasSpa If you are confused by this, you are NOT alone.
Our piece wraps up what we have so far on the subject.
We will continue to monitor this... What do we even call it? Situation? Debacle? Circus trip on mescaline?
Either way, stay tuned.
bellingcat.com/news/2020/05/0…
Our piece wraps up what we have so far on the subject.
We will continue to monitor this... What do we even call it? Situation? Debacle? Circus trip on mescaline?
Either way, stay tuned.
bellingcat.com/news/2020/05/0…
@AbraxasSpa Please read @gianfiorella's detailed breakdown of what exactly went down
If you're having a hard time keeping up by this point... We don't blame you.
Stay tuned for more (probably bizarre) developments.
bellingcat.com/news/2020/05/0…
If you're having a hard time keeping up by this point... We don't blame you.
Stay tuned for more (probably bizarre) developments.
bellingcat.com/news/2020/05/0…
