Venezuela Claims U.S. Used AI-Assisted Weapons in Maduro Capture
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López accused the United States of using AI-assisted weapons and untested military technology during a January 2026 military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. López alleged that Venezuela was used as a testing ground for advanced weapons never before deployed in combat.
What happened
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López claimed on January 23, 2026 that the United States used 'AI-assisted bombs' and 'unknown weapons' during a military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, when U.S. Delta Force members captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores at Fuerte Tiuna military complex.
Padrino López alleged that Venezuela was used as a 'testing ground' and 'laboratory' for weapons 'never before used on a battlefield,' asserting that the operation involved 'systematic bombing assisted by artificial intelligence of the highest level.'
Reported impact
According to Padrino López, the alleged use of advanced weapons systems caused unspecified impact on the Venezuelan people and left the country without capacity for response.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.