Washington: US President Donald Trump has claimed that a classified (secret) American weapon, which he referred to as “The Discombobulator,” was used during the covert operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, disabling the country’s military systems at a critical moment.
Speaking in a recent interview (New York Post), Trump said the weapon rendered Venezuelan defence systems completely inoperable just as US forces moved in.
“They never got their rockets off. They pressed buttons, and nothing worked,” Trump said, alleging that Venezuela had Russian- and Chinese-made missile systems ready to respond. “I’m not allowed to talk about it,” he added when asked for technical details.
Systems Disabled, No Resistance
According to Trump, the secret technology neutralised key Venezuelan military capabilities, preventing any counterstrike or organised resistance. He claimed the device shut down command systems, missile platforms and radar networks simultaneously, allowing US forces to enter the capital with minimal confrontation.
While the White House has not released operational details, Trump described the moment as decisive, saying the Venezuelan military was “all set for us” before their systems suddenly failed.
Power Blackout in Caracas
Trump also reiterated earlier claims that US forces shut down major infrastructure in Caracas, causing a widespread blackout during the raid on Maduro’s compound.
“We turned off almost all of the lights in Caracas,” he said, without explaining how the blackout was carried out.
The power failure reportedly coincided with the final phase of the operation, leaving key security installations in the dark.
Speculation Over the Weapon
Military analysts believe Trump’s reference to the “Discombobulator” could be a codename for advanced electronic warfare or cyber-disruption technology capable of disabling enemy systems without physical destruction. However, no official documentation or confirmation of the weapon’s design or function has been released.
Threats Against Drug Cartels
In the same interview, Trump renewed his threat to use military force against international drug cartels, signalling that US operations could expand beyond South America.
“We know their routes. We know their homes. We know everything about them. We’re going to hit the cartels,” Trump said.
He suggested that cartel targets could extend into Central America and even North America, including Mexico.
First Strike Since Maduro’s Capture
The comments came after the US military carried out a strike on an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean — the first such operation since Maduro’s capture.
US officials described the strike as part of a broader strategy to dismantle international narcotics networks linked to state protection.
A New Era of Covert Warfare?
While Trump’s claims have sparked global attention, the true nature of the so-called Discombobulator remains unknown. What is clear, however, is that the operation marks a major escalation in US use of covert technologies and signals a new phase of strategic intervention in the region.
