Erik prince, the founder of controversial private security firm Blackwater, has reportedly claimed that individuals involved in a failed 2019 incursion into Venezuela are now deceased. The statement, made during a recent podcast appearance, sheds light on a little-discussed episode of attempted regime change and raises questions about the ongoing dynamics between Venezuela’s government and external actors.
Prince‘s comments center around a previously reported operation allegedly backed by Venezuelan defectors and U.S.private military contractors aimed at removing President Nicolás Maduro from power. The effort, launched in May 2019 from the Caribbean, quickly faltered with the capture of dozens of participants, including former U.S. Green Berets.Prince, who has publicly discussed offering a counteroffer for Maduro’s capture, indicated that those directly involved in the planning and execution of the incursion are no longer alive, though he did not specify how or when they died.
Throughout his career,Prince has been a prominent,and often controversial,figure in international security. He founded Blackwater, which gained notoriety through its contracts with the U.S. government during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.The company faced notable scrutiny over allegations of excessive force and operational control issues. Following Blackwater’s dissolution, Prince continued to establish companies in the military and air transport sectors, solidifying his influence in private defense and global strategic operations.
In the podcast, Prince referenced previous statements regarding Maduro’s potential removal from power. The 2019 incursion attempt occurred amidst a period of heightened political instability in Venezuela, with the U.S. and numerous other countries recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president. The failed operation and Prince’s recent remarks underscore the complex and often shadowy world of private military intervention and the enduring tensions surrounding Venezuela’s political future.