Fact Check: Did Pentagon use AI tool Claude in military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro?

WASHINGTON, DC: In January 2026, the United States conducted a military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the then-president of the country, along with his wife, Cilia Flores.

Recently, a rumor circulated online claiming that the Pentagon used Anthropic's AI tool Claude in a military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Pentagon used AI tool Claude in military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro

In mid-February, an X account shared a post claiming, "Pentagon used Anthropic's AI tool Claude in military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro."

Similarly, another X account claimed, "JUST IN - Pentagon used Anthropic’s AI tool Claude in the military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro."

"Let’s be real If the only AI you know is ChatGPT, then honestly… you’re living in 2016. Pentagon used Anthropic’s AI tool Claude in the military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro," an X user wrote.

The operation involved US special forces and CIA support. They raided a residence in Caracas, amid strikes on military targets. Maduro and Flores were extracted, and was initially taken to the USS Iwo Jima, before being flown to the US, arriving in New York.

Fact Check: True, multiple news outlets confirm the claim

The claims made in the online posts are true, as multiple credible news outlets, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that the US military deployed Anthropic's AI model Claude during the raid in Venezuela.

The reports indicated that Claude was used in real-time during the operation, and not just in pre-mission planning. However, specifics on its exact role remain undisclosed.

Interestingly, the AI was integrated via Anthropic's partnership with Palantir Technologies. Claude is reportedly the only major commercial AI model that is currently approved for use on classified Department of War networks. 

However, though several media outlets reported on this, citing sources familiar with the matter, no official confirmation from the Pentagon or Anthropic has been issued as of February 13, 2026.

As the reports are consistent, the lack of declassified details means the full extent of Claude's involvement is somewhat speculative. There would be more clarification as more information emerges.

The fact-check verdict is currently based on publicly available reporting so far. However, if new evidence contradicts these accounts, the verdict could change.