Caracas, Venezuela — Venezuela’s Defense Minister, General Vladimir Padrino López, announced on Sunday that the armed forces recognize Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the country’s interim president. The announcement followed the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. special forces during a military operation carried out at dawn on Saturday in the capital, Caracas.
Reading from a televised statement, Padrino said the Supreme Court issued a ruling late Saturday appointing Rodríguez to assume presidential duties for a 90-day period. He also confirmed that the armed forces have been placed on maximum alert nationwide “to ensure sovereignty and stability.” At the same time, he called for the immediate release of Maduro. Furthermore, he condemned the killing of several members of the president’s security detail “in cold blood,” without providing an exact casualty toll.
According to the U.S. account, the American military carried out airstrikes on targets in Caracas. Special forces arrested Maduro and his wife and airlifted them to New York. There, both face charges related to drug trafficking and weapons possession. The White House released a video showing the Venezuelan leader in handcuffs and wearing sandals. It also showed footage of him being escorted inside a facility belonging to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Manhattan. He was also heard saying in English, “Good night, happy new year.”
Public Concern Grows Over Recent Developments
Maduro, 63, has ruled Venezuela for more than a decade, coming to power after the death of late President Hugo Chávez. As news of his arrest spread, celebrations erupted in several foreign cities with large Venezuelan expatriate communities. This took place from Madrid to Santiago, where Venezuelan flags were raised. Inside Caracas, however, celebrations were limited. The capital’s streets appeared largely calm amid growing public concern over developments in the next phase.
For his part, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would appoint “individuals” from his administration to assume responsibility in Venezuela. He ruled out the transfer of power to opposition leader María Corina Machado. He expressed readiness to work with Delcy Rodríguez. However, Rodríguez called for Maduro’s release and pledged to “defend the country.”
In the same context, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington is prepared to work with remaining officials from the Maduro administration. He said cooperation would be possible if they make “the right decisions.” He also warned that the United States “retains multiple pressure tools” should that not occur.
