The New York Times reported new details regarding a purported U.S. cyber operation that allegedly disrupted Venezuelan electricity in the lead-up to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. According to the report, the cyber operation briefly cut power to most residents of Caracas, the capital city, for a few minutes, while some neighborhoods near the military base where Maduro was seized experienced outages lasting up to three days. The operation also reportedly targeted Venezuelan military radar defenses, with the U.S. Cyber Command allegedly involved.

The newspaper reported that the disruption of electricity in Caracas and the interference with radar systems enabled U.S. military helicopters to enter Venezuelan airspace undetected, facilitating a mission to capture Maduro, who now faces drug charges in the United States. The New York Times provided limited details about the specific methods used in the alleged cyberattack.

The incident raises questions about the evolving role of cyber warfare in international relations and the potential for such operations to influence geopolitical events. The use of cyberattacks to disrupt critical infrastructure, such as power grids and radar systems, has become an increasing concern for governments worldwide. In December 2015, for example, Russia was implicated in a cyberattack that took down electricity in parts of Ukraine.

The lack of specific details regarding the alleged U.S. cyber operation in Venezuela makes it difficult to assess the full extent of its impact and the methods employed. Understanding the techniques used in such operations is crucial for developing effective cybersecurity defenses and preventing future attacks.

The situation remains fluid, and further details are likely to emerge as investigations continue and more information becomes available. The U.S. government has not officially confirmed or denied its involvement in the alleged cyber operation. The implications of this incident for U.S.-Venezuelan relations and international cyber norms remain to be seen.