Inside the failed 2020 coup in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of ex-US Special Forces

The recent capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by American forces recalls a botched 2020 coup attempt that resulted in the imprisonment of two former US Army Green Berets. Since then, there have been major developments in this bizarre story known as the "Bay of Piglets."

In May 2020, the Venezuelan government released photos and video footage showing a ragtag group of men who appear to have been captured by security forces in a village on the country's northern coast. The Venezuelan government said eight people were killed and dozens more were captured, describing the operation as an attempt to kidnap Maduro and remove him from the country. Among the captured men were two American former Green Berets, who were reportedly hired to train men for the operation in Colombia.

In what Venezuela called "confession videos" released by state-controlled media, the two Americans said they were working on behalf of the US government, specifically under the orders of President Donald Trump. However, Trump, along with then US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, flatly denied any American involvement in the plot.

Business Insider spoke with the brother of captured American Luke Denman, who pointed out red flags raised by the footage. Denman, along with a spokesperson from the State Department, suggested that the men in the footage were used as pawns in a false flag operation staged by the Venezuelan government.

Business Insider also spoke with other key figures to understand which aspects of this complex story are rooted in fact and which may have been constructed by the Venezuelan government.