Growler jets reported to have scrambled Venezuela's defenses

A Wall Street Journal report says US EA-18G Growler electronic-warfare jets were used in a Jan. 3 operation and that jamming of Venezuelan systems hindered the country's response before Nicolás Maduro was captured.

A Wall Street Journal report says US EA-18G Growler jets were deployed in a Jan. 3 operation against Venezuelan military targets. The report describes the Growlers as using electronic-warfare techniques to disrupt Venezuelan radars and communications. It says those disruptions reduced Caracas's ability to respond. The article links these effects to the subsequent capture of Nicolás Maduro. Key reported facts: - The Wall Street Journal reported that EA-18G Growler jets were among aircraft used in the Jan. 3 raid. - The report describes the Growlers as electronic-warfare aircraft that jammed or obscured Venezuelan radar and communications. - The report says Venezuela's defenses were impaired and that Nicolás Maduro was captured after the operation. - The article states that the operation involved more than 150 US warplanes. Summary: If accurate, the report describes electronic-warfare activity that limited Venezuela's defensive response and preceded Nicolás Maduro's capture. Undetermined at this time.