Ex-green berets given 20 years for ‘Bay of Piglets’ plot

TWO former green berets have been sentenced to 20 years in a Venezuelan jail for their part in a failed attempt to overthrow Nicolás Maduro, the country’s chief prosecutor said.

Luke Denman, 34, and Airan Berry, 41, were detained following the botched operation, dubbed the “Bay of Piglets,” in May.

Tarek William Saab, Venezuela’s chief prosecutor, said they had “admitted their responsibility” during a private hearing and were found guilty of conspiracy, trafficking in illegal arms and terrorism.

Alfonso Medina, a lawyer for the Americans, said their legal team had not been allowed into the courtroom.

Denman and Berry were arrested following “Operation Gideon,” a sea incursion landing in Macuto, less than an hour from Caracas. Venezuela claimed it killed eight attackers and captured 91. Mr Maduro claimed it was a plot to assassinate him, and Caracas has accused Donald Trump of being directly responsible for the raid.

The US has denied any responsibility for the incursion. Mr Trump’s administration last year threw its support behind Juan Guaidó, the opposition leader, who declared he was the legitimate president, vowing to oust Maduro.

Another former green beret, Jordan Goudreau, who operated a Floridabased security firm called Silvercorp USA, claimed responsibility.

Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, has said Washington will use all possible means to win the freedom of Denman and Berry.

Bill Richardson, the former governor of New Mexico, who met Mr Maduro in Caracas last month, said: “We will continue our dialogue with the Venezuelans to find a way to bring them back home to their families.”