A recent report from the Associated Press reveals that a U.S. federal agent attempted to bribe General Bitner Villegas, the chief pilot of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as part of a covert operation extending over 16 months. The operation aimed to divert Maduro’s plane for capture, marking a concerted effort by the United States to unseat the controversial leader, known for his extensive control over Venezuela’s oil resources.
This initiative is part of a wide-ranging campaign by Washington that includes an increase in military presence in the Caribbean, targeting what U.S. officials label as drug trafficking activities linked to Maduro’s administration. Warships, attack aircraft, and intelligence resources have been strategically deployed to the region, signaling a readiness for more aggressive actions against suspected narco-smuggling boats.
The agent, named Edwin Lopez, confidentially approached Villegas with a lucrative offer to orchestrate the diversion of Maduro’s plane. Although the pilot did not firmly commit to the scheme during their meeting, he did express some level of interest by sharing his cellphone number with Lopez, indicating a potential willingness to engage further in discussions.
The operation’s details emerge from interviews with various current and former U.S. officials and a Venezuelan opposition figure. Text messages exchanged between Lopez and Villegas reveal a sustained communication effort, which continued even after Lopez’s retirement from government service in July, demonstrating the tenacity of the operation.
Since taking office, President Trump has ramped up the U.S. strategy toward Venezuela, authorizing covert CIA operations and elevating the bounty on Maduro’s arrest for drug-trafficking charges to $50 million. This significant bounty was mentioned in Lopez’s correspondence with the pilot, highlighting the lengths to which U.S. officials are willing to go to incite collaboration from within Maduro’s ranks.
The military dimension of U.S. efforts cannot be overlooked, as recent strikes in the Caribbean have resulted in the deaths of at least 57 individuals related to suspected drug operations, which reflects the intensifying military and covert pressure facing Maduro’s government.
Although the bribe attempt was unsuccessful, it raises concerns over the potential escalation of U.S. strategies into a more extensive conflict. With military assets positioned near Venezuelan waters and ongoing covert operations, there is a palpable risk of miscalculations that could result in significant regional or global tensions. This underscores the precarious nature of U.S.-Venezuelan relations and the complex dynamics shaping the future of the region.