Officials Say U.S. Cyberoperation Darkened Caracas to Aid Maduro Capture

The cyberattack that plunged Venezuela’s capital into darkness on Jan. 3 helped U.S. military helicopters move into Caracas undetected and allowed the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, U.S. officials briefed on the operation said.

Those officials said the operation showed the Pentagon could not only cut power but also restore it, and that U.S. cyberweapons were used to interfere with air-defense radar. People briefed on the matter discussed sensitive details on the condition of anonymity. The U.S. Cyber Command said it “was proud to support Operation Absolute Resolve.”

Most of Caracas lost power for only a few minutes, though some neighborhoods near the military base where Maduro was captured were without electricity for up to 36 hours. Hospitals had backup generators and medical workers reported no known fatalities in wards dependent on constant power. Lawmakers received classified briefings this week, and senators on the Armed Services Committee are set to question Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, President Trump’s nominee to lead U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, at his confirmation hearing — their first public opportunity to ask about the raid and the administration’s plans for cyberoperations.

Key Topics

Politics, Joshua Rudd, Caracas, Operation Absolute Resolve, Nicolás Maduro, U.s. Cyber Command