How the US Captured Nicolas Maduro & What Comes Next w/ Retired CIA Legends

Before you dive in—go to 👉 https://restrictedhandling.com Sign up for FREE daily intelligence briefs. You'll get sharp, no-nonsense intel delivered straight to your inbox—including analysis like what you're about to hear in this episode, often before it hits the mainstream. In this explosive episode of the Restricted Handling Podcast, Ryan Fugit is joined by Glenn Corn and David Fitzgerald—a 37-year CIA veteran and former multi-time Chief of Station—to break down one of the most consequential geopolitical operations in recent history: the U.S. apprehension of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro. In the early morning hours of January 2, U.S. forces executed a highly coordinated interagency, combined-arms operation involving Delta Force, special operations aviation, CIA, DEA, NSA, NGA, and conventional forces. The mission—described publicly as an apprehension operation—resulted in Maduro and his wife being moved to the United States. This conversation goes far beyond headlines to explain how it was done, why it matters, and what comes next. INSIDE THIS EPISODE: • How the U.S. intelligence community set the conditions months in advance • CIA operations without diplomatic cover—and what that really means • Why Venezuela's oil industry (PDVSA) is central to the transition plan • Chevron's unique role and why it never left Venezuela • Lessons from Panama, Haiti, Iraq—and what not to repeat • The real power dynamics inside Venezuela's ruling party • Narco-state realities, cartel corruption, and Cuban intelligence penetration • China's strategic dilemma and why Beijing may stay surprisingly neutral • What this operation signals to Cuba, Nicaragua, Iran, and beyond • Why the hard part starts now after the capture of Maduro This is a rare, candid discussion between professionals who have planned, supported, and executed real-world intelligence and stabilization operations. No cable-news fluff—just clear, experienced analysis from people who've been there. ABOUT THE GUESTS David Fitzgerald is a former CIA officer with nearly four decades of experience, including multiple tours as Chief of Station across Latin America and senior roles supporting major counterterrorism and stabilization operations. Glenn Corn is a former senior CIA officer and geopolitical risk expert, known for his deep regional expertise and strategic advisory work. Find Glenn Corn and David Fitzgerald at Vector One Global https://www.vectoroneglobal.com/our-company Glenn Corn is also with Great South Bay Consulting, providing high-level strategic insight for leaders navigating global instability https://greatsouthbayinc.com/ WHY THIS MATTERS: The apprehension of Maduro isn't just about Venezuela—it reshapes the balance of power across the Western Hemisphere. What happens next will determine whether this becomes a model for successful transition… or a warning of what not to do. Don't miss the next move. Go to 👉 https://restrictedhandling.com and get FREE daily intel briefs delivered straight to you. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Intro 06:10 – Inside the CIA & Delta Force Mission 13:45 – What Happens After Maduro? 20:40 – Narco-State Reality & Cuban Influence 28:55 – Global Ripple Effects: China, Russia & Cuba 35:40 – The Hard Part Begins