The embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro revealed authorities captured two U.S. citizens among a group of 13 'terrorists' on Monday. The mercenaries were reportedly attempting to capture the socialist leader.

During a nationwide broadcast on state television, Maduro held up a pair of blue U.S. passports that he claims he recovered from the American 'mercenaries.' He read off the names, and birth dates of the alleged attacked and showed images of the fishing boats they rode in on. Maduro also presented numerous equipment the perpetrators used-including walkie-talkies and night vision glasses.

The identification cards belong to Airan Berry and Luke Denman. They both work with Jordan Goudreau, the owner of a Florida-based security company called Silvercorp USA. Goudreau is a military veteran.

"They were playing Rambo," Maduro said. "They were playing the hero."

He believes the Trump administration and neighboring Colombia orchestrated the attack. Both countries have denied their involvement in the incident.


The Attack


Before dawn on Sunday, Venezuelan officials said the first attack started on a beach near the port city of La Guaira. Authorities arrested two and killed eight others who were attempting to land their speedboats.

Ex-Green Beret Jordan Gordreau claimed full responsibility for the operation, saying they planned to detain Maduro and liberate the Venezuelan people.

Goudreau, Berry, and Denman all served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He revealed they were part of a Venezuelan operation called "Operation Gideon," aiming to capture Maduro. Juan Guaido, the opposition's leader, denied any connection to the mission.

Goudreau was previously reported working with a retired Venezuelan army general that has existing U.S. narcotics charges. He was a member of a makeshift army of 60 that lacked support from the American government.

The state media showed images of men handcuffed and lying in the street. Attorney General Tarek William Saab said they arrested more than 110 people and are hunting for 92 others.

Goudreau said 52 other fighters are currently inside Venezuelan territory and are recruiting members of the security forces to join their cause.

The two U.S. citizens were captured in a second-day roundup of accomplices. They are believed to be held by the Venezuelan military intelligence.

The opposition and American authorities suggest Maduro and his allies fabricated the attack to draw attention away from the country's issues.


Political Rift

Venezuela is currently under a deepening political and economic crisis under Maduro's administration. The people are having difficulties accessing clean running water, electricity, gas, and health care services.

The country's crumbling public services have forced millions of Venezuelans to flee the country in search of better living conditions.

Maduro was recently indicted as a drug trafficker. The U.S. has also imposed a $15 million reward for any information leading to his arrest. Despite the campaign to remove him from the presidency, he still controls all levers of power in the country.

Venezuela and the United States broke diplomatic ties amid tensions the previous year. The Trump administration imposed devastating sanctions on the country. Due to the political rift, there is no U.S. embassy in Caracas.


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