In a dramatic and unprecedented turn of events, Venezuela has a new acting president after the arrest of longtime leader Nicolás Maduro during a controversial foreign military operation. Maduro’s capture and removal from power early Saturday has triggered a profound political crisis, drawing international attention, diplomatic upheaval, and uncertainty about the future of the South American nation. �
Reuters +1
According to reports, United States forces conducted a large-scale strike in Caracas and successfully detained President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in the early hours of Saturday. U.S. officials, including former President Donald Trump, stated that the operation was aimed at apprehending Maduro on narcoterrorism and drug trafficking charges and that he was subsequently transported to New York to face prosecution. The U.S. claims Maduro was indicted in federal court and that his removal was necessary to “run” the country during a transitional phase. �
CBS News +1
In response to Maduro’s detention, Venezuela’s Supreme Court’s Constitutional Chamber issued a ruling appointing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the new interim president. The court’s order states that Rodríguez is to assume “all the attributions, duties and faculties inherent to the position of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela” to guarantee the continuity of governance and defend national sovereignty amid Maduro’s forced absence. �
Reuters +1
Rodríguez, a seasoned politician and key figure in the chavista movement, has served in multiple high-level roles within the Venezuelan government, including vice president since 2018, foreign minister, and president of the Constituent Assembly. Her elevation to acting president comes at a time of intense national and international dispute over the legitimacy of the circumstances surrounding Maduro’s removal.
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In her first public statements as acting president, Rodríguez firmly rejected the U.S. operation and insisted that Maduro remains the legitimate president of Venezuela, calling for his “immediate release.” She condemned the foreign intervention as an “atrocity that violates international law” and vowed to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty and constitutional order.
The Financial Express
The unfolding developments have sparked deep divisions both within Venezuela and across the global community. While some Venezuelans, particularly expatriates and opposition figures, have celebrated Maduro’s removal, mass protests have erupted in Caracas and other cities, with supporters of Maduro decrying what they describe as an illegal foreign aggression.
International reactions have been swift and polarized. Several countries, including China, Russia, Cuba and Nicaragua, have condemned the U.S. action as a breach of international law and demanded Maduro’s release. Others have called for a peaceful, democratic transition of power and urged respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty and constitutional processes. The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session to address the crisis.
