Did El Mayo Provide Intelligence for U.S. Strikes in Venezuela?

Did El Mayo Provide Intelligence for U.S. Strikes in Venezuela?

From Focal Point by IRONCLAD

September 26, 2025 · 21 min · Season 2 · Episode 7

About this episode

The episode discusses U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and the intelligence reportedly provided by Sinaloa Cartel leader El Mayo.

On today’s episode, Andy sits down with investigative journalist Stefano Ritondale (@AllSourceNews) to discuss recent U.S. military strikes on drug boats off Venezuela’s coast. Intelligence for these operations reportedly came from Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, who recently cooperated with U.S. authorities. Stefano, who covers Latin American organized crime and U.S. foreign policy, explains the implications of relying on cartel sources for critical intelligence and the connections between Venezuelan and Mexican drug networks. Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original Marek Health Take control of your health today! Head to https://www.MarekHealth.com and use code FOCALPOINT for 10% off at checkout. AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Andy

Guest: Stefano Ritondale

Topics covered

  • U.S. military strikes
  • drug trafficking
  • intelligence sources
  • cartel cooperation
  • Venezuelan drug networks
  • Mexican drug networks

Keywords

  • El Mayo
  • Venezuela
  • Sinaloa Cartel
  • intelligence
  • drug boats
  • military strikes
  • organized crime
  • U.S. foreign policy

Sponsors

Marek Health, AmmoSquared

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sinaloa Cartel

Places: Venezuela, Mexico

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