CIA Official Credits Cyber Mission Center for Maduro's Capture

Cyber Operations Led to Maduro's Capture

CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis announced that the agency's Cyber Mission Center played a crucial role in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Ellis stated that "Operation Absolute Resolve," which resulted in Maduro's apprehension in Caracas, was made possible by a "flawless intelligence picture" built on cyber operations.

Public Acknowledgment of Cyber Activities

Ellis's comments represent a rare public disclosure of the CIA's cyber activities, which are typically classified. This acknowledgment highlights the significance of digital resources in military operations and follows the unsealing of narcoterrorism charges against Maduro by the U.S.

Cyber Mission Center's Role

The Cyber Mission Center, elevated from the Center for Cyber Intelligence late last year, was credited with providing the operational picture needed for U.S. special forces to locate and apprehend Maduro. Ellis noted that the center's standalone status improves reporting chains, agility, and resource alignment for cyber operations.

AI Integration in Intelligence

Ellis also mentioned the agency's use of AI, stating it brings "speed and scale" to cyber operations and intelligence collection. He emphasized that appropriate safeguards, including human oversight, are being developed for AI tools within the CIA.