Why Twitter Was Open During the Maduro Raid?

Quick Overview

Twitter/X was open during Operation Absolute Resolve because the operation's goal was driven by the desire for internet attention and memes, rather than genuine geopolitical action, which is exemplified by the presence of a screen showing the X interface during the raid planning.

Key Points: The operation to capture the leader of Venezuela, referenced as Operation Absolute Resolve, was allegedly driven by the desire to create content that looked good on the internet, or for memes. The video shows an image of individuals in a room, presumably planning the operation, with a large screen displaying the X (formerly Twitter) interface. The presenter argues that the power of these actors comes from their ability to gain attention on the internet and convert that attention into corrupt money or patronage jobs. The speaker critiques the action as being driven by 'likership' and social media performance rather than statesmanship, contrasting it with the 1993 Motorola cell phone and the 2001 Black Hawk Down incident. The video uses examples like the Black Hawk Down rescue mission (02:10) and the use of ISR technology (00:54) to contrast real-world operational needs with what the speaker perceives as meme-driven political actions. The speaker mentions that open-source information (OSINT) from social media posts, like those showing gunfire in Caracas (01:48), can provide valuable intelligence for locating downed pilots or targets. The creator, Ryan McBeth, who describes himself as researching digital history and culture (00:43), promotes his book, 'Lies to Rule Men: Book Two of the Deseret Series' (03:56).

Context: The video features Ryan McBeth, who identifies himself as a software engineer specializing in C4ISR and Cyber Intelligence (CybINT), discussing a political operation allegedly aimed at capturing the leader of Venezuela, referencing a photo of individuals in a room with a large screen displaying X/Twitter. McBeth contrasts this event with historical military operations, like the 2001 Black Hawk Down incident, to argue that modern political actions are often motivated by social media performance and the pursuit of online attention rather than serious statecraft or immediate necessity.