A federal judge in Tampa, Florida has ordered the release of a former U.S. Green Beret who was indicted in connection with a failed coup attempt against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in 2020. The former Green Beret, Jordan Goudreau, was arrested in May 2020 along with two former Venezuelan soldiers for their involvement in the botched operation known as “Operation Gideon.” The operation aimed to overthrow Maduro and install opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the new president of Venezuela. However, the attempt was quickly thwarted, and Goudreau and his accomplices were taken into custody.
Goudreau’s release comes after his attorney argued that he was not a flight risk and posed no threat to the community. The judge agreed with this assessment and granted Goudreau’s release on a $10,000 bond. Goudreau will be placed under house arrest and will be monitored by GPS tracking until his trial date. Despite his release, Goudreau still faces serious charges, including conspiracy to commit terrorism, conspiracy to traffic in firearms, and conspiracy to destroy buildings and property of a foreign government.
The failed coup attempt in Venezuela has been a source of controversy and tension between the United States and the Maduro regime. The Venezuelan government has accused the U.S. of backing the operation and supporting efforts to overthrow Maduro. The U.S. government has denied any involvement in the coup attempt and has condemned the use of force to overthrow a democratically elected government. The release of Goudreau may further strain relations between the two countries, as Maduro’s government views him as a threat to its stability and security.
Goudreau’s release raises questions about the role of private military contractors in foreign conflicts and the legality of their actions. Goudreau, who runs a private security firm called Silvercorp USA, has been accused of operating outside the bounds of international law and attempting to overthrow a sovereign government. His case highlights the risks and complexities of using private military contractors in covert operations and raises concerns about accountability and oversight in such endeavors. As Goudreau awaits trial, the implications of his actions and the consequences of his involvement in the failed coup attempt will continue to reverberate in diplomatic circles and international relations.
