Former Green Beret Jordan Goudreau Arrested

Jordan Goudreau, a former U.S. Green Beret, was arrested in New York on federal arms smuggling charges related to a failed coup attempt against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in 2020. A Tampa federal indictment accuses him and his partner, Yacsy Alvarez, of illegally exporting military-grade weapons and equipment to Colombia, intended for use in Venezuela. Goudreau, who previously claimed responsibility for the attempted incursion known as Operation Gideon, faces 14 counts including conspiracy and unlawful possession of a machine gun. The botched raid, involving a small group of armed individuals, was ridiculed as the 'Bay of Piglets' due to its poor planning and execution. Goudreau had sought funding from the Trump administration and wealthy investors but received minimal support, leading to logistical failures. This arrest occurs amid ongoing scrutiny of Maduro's regime, which is facing allegations of authoritarianism and electoral fraud.