Venezuelan far-right opposition politician Leopoldo LĂłpez. File photo.
Venezuelan far-right opposition figure Leopoldo LĂłpez was involved in the planning of Operation Gideon, an invasion plot designed to destabilize Venezuela in 2020 by overthrowing the constitutional President NicolĂĄs Maduro, according to Canadian-American mercenary Jordan Goudreau, the commander of the failed attempt.
In a video chat on Thursday, March 20, Goudreau stated that LĂłpez was not only fully aware and informed of the plot but also participated in its planning.
âYes, absolutely true, I thought this was common knowledge,â Goudreau responded when asked about LĂłpez’s actions in violation of Venezuelan sovereignty.
đșđž Jordan Goudrea informĂł que Leopoldo LĂłpez financiĂł una operaciĂłn terrorista que buscaba asesinar al presidente Maduro.
đ VĂa: VTV pic.twitter.com/fhzIXlfwA0
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The former US Special Forces member laughed sarcastically at a video of LĂłpez denying any involvement in or planning for the operation. Goudreau expressed his disdain for the cynicism of the opposition politician, who remains a fugitive from the Venezuelan judiciary.
Goudreau also revealed that Colombia’s National Intelligence Directorate (DNI), during the government of IvĂĄn Duque, was aware of Operation Gideon. This information supports claims that the operation received backing from foreign actors. The mercenary emphasized that the Colombian DNI actively participated in coordinating efforts aimed at destabilizing Venezuela.
When Everything Seemed Like It Could Not Get Any Worse, Mercenary Goudreau Shows Up
The involvement of the CIA and the DNI in the operation was a central focus of Goudreauâs statements. He asserted that the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) collaborated with the Colombian DNI to carry out the subversive maneuvers. Goudreau also confirmed that he personally knew Leopoldo LĂłpez and Juan GuaidĂł, whom he described as business partners. Additionally, he mentioned that Lester Toledo, a close collaborator of GuaidĂł, actively participated in discussions prior to the operation.
Goudreau explained that two groups hired him for the operation: one representing the US government and led by CIA agent George Betancourt, and another representing Lester Toledo. âThe alliance of the Venezuelan opposition was with the CIA and the Colombian intelligence service,â Goudreau said. These statements confirm the direct involvement of foreign governments in the invasion attempt.
Finally, Goudreau criticized US President Donald Trumpâs foreign policy toward Venezuela, pointing out that Trump distrusted the Venezuelan opposition. He also mentioned Robert Colina, alias Pantera, who was killed during the attempted entry of mercenaries into Macuto, La Guaira state, from Colombia. Goudreau did not hesitate to call opposition figures IvĂĄn Simonovis and Juan JosĂ© RendĂłn âtraitors,â highlighting the divisions and internal conflicts within the opposition groups.
(RedRadioVE) by Jhulimar Fraga
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/SC/DZ
