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The U.S. military reportedly utilized an AI tool known as Claude from Anthropic during the recent operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. This significant development marks a new chapter in the use of artificial intelligence in military operations.
In a bold move last month, U.S. special operations forces successfully apprehended Maduro along with his wife. The pair has since been extradited to the United States to confront a series of serious narcotics-related charges, underscoring the international effort to address drug trafficking.
The deployment of Claude was facilitated through Anthropic’s collaboration with Palantir Technologies, a data firm known for its extensive use by the Department of Defense and federal law enforcement agencies. This information comes from a report by The Wall Street Journal, which cites sources knowledgeable about the operation.
An Anthropic spokesperson, when approached by Fox News Digital, stated, “We cannot comment on whether Claude, or any other AI model, was used for any specific operation, classified or otherwise.” They emphasized that any deployment of Claude, whether in government or the private sector, must adhere to their stringent Usage Policies. “We work closely with our partners to ensure compliance,” the spokesperson added, reflecting the company’s commitment to responsible AI use.
Photographs from the event show a subdued Nicolás Maduro being escorted as he makes his way to the Daniel Patrick Manhattan United States Courthouse. There, he faces an initial hearing on charges that span narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, and money laundering, among others. This high-profile case is drawing attention as it unfolds in New York City, marking a pivotal point in U.S.-Venezuelan relations. (Photo by Adam Gray/Reuters)
Anthropic’s usage guidelines prohibit Claude from being used for violence, weapons development, or surveillance.
A source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that Anthropic has visibility into classified and unclassified usage and has confidence that all usage has been in line with Anthropic’s usage policy, as well as its partners’ own compliance policies.
Reached by Fox News Digital, the Department of War declined to comment.
The U.S. military reportedly used Anthropic’s AI tool Claude during the operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Anthropic was the first AI model developer to be used in classified operations by the Department of War, according to the Journal.
Anthropic has raised concerns about how Claude can be used by the Pentagon, prompting officials within the Trump administration to consider canceling its contract worth up to $200 million, which was awarded last summer, the paper reported.
The AI tools can be used for everything from summarizing documents to controlling autonomous drones, the outlet noted.
The Trump administration has prioritized AI development, and in December War Secretary Pete Hegseth said “the future of American warfare is here, and it’s spelled AI.”
Anthropic’s artificial-intelligence model Claude was reportedly used in a classified U.S. military operation targeting Nicolás Maduro. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
“As technologies advance, so do our adversaries,” he said. “But here at the War Department, we are not sitting idly by.”