US Used Anthropic's AI Model Claude in Venezuela Raid, Report Says

The AI system was deployed through Anthropic's partnership with data firm Palantir Technologies.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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According to a Wall Street Journal report, the U.S. military used Anthropic's artificial intelligence model Claude during the operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The deployment of Claude came through Anthropic's partnership with data firm Palantir Technologies, whose platforms are widely used by the Defense Department and federal law enforcement.

Why it matters

This marks the first publicly known instance of the U.S. government using an advanced AI system like Claude in a military operation. It highlights the growing role of AI technology in national security and defense, as the Pentagon pushes top AI companies to make their tools available on classified networks.

The details

Reuters could not immediately verify the Wall Street Journal's report. The U.S. Defense Department, the White House, Anthropic, and Palantir did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Anthropic's usage policies forbid using Claude to support violence, design weapons, or carry out surveillance.

  • The U.S. captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an operation in early January 2026.

The players

Anthropic

An artificial intelligence company that developed the Claude AI model, which was reportedly used in the U.S. operation to capture the former Venezuelan president.

Palantir Technologies

A data analytics firm that partnered with Anthropic to provide access to Claude on classified networks used by the U.S. Defense Department and federal law enforcement.

Nicolas Maduro

The former president of Venezuela who was captured by the U.S. in an early January 2026 operation.

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What’s next

The U.S. government has not confirmed the use of Anthropic's Claude AI in the operation to capture Nicolas Maduro. Further details about the deployment of the AI system and its role in the military operation may emerge as the story develops.

The takeaway

This report highlights the growing integration of advanced AI technologies like Anthropic's Claude into U.S. national security and defense operations, raising questions about the ethical and practical implications of using such powerful AI systems in sensitive military contexts.