Maduro Regime Orders Arrests of U.S. Operation Supporters as Interim President Sworn In
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Venezuelan authorities have issued a sweeping order to arrest individuals suspected of supporting the recent U.S. military operation that led to the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, escalating tensions between the two nations. The move comes as Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s vice president, assumes the role of interim president.
The state of emergency decree, released Monday after being issued Saturday, directs police to “immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone involved in the promotion or support for the armed attack by the United States,” according to a report from Reuters. The specific charges that could be levied against those apprehended remain unclear.
Maduro appeared in a New York court Monday, days after his arrest alongside his wife by U.S. forces over the weekend. He vehemently denied the accusations leveled against him, stating, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is written here,” as the charges were read in court. Both Maduro and his wife have been charged by the Justice Department with narco-terrorism and other offenses.
Political Fallout and Interim Leadership
The arrests have sparked a political crisis in Venezuela, with supporters staging protests demanding the couple’s release. Images from Caracas on Sunday showed government supporters holding dolls resembling Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, demonstrating their solidarity.
In Maduro’s absence, Delcy Rodríguez, 56, has been sworn in as the interim president. Rodríguez has been a long-time confidante and staunch supporter of Maduro, serving as the country’s vice president from 2018 until Sunday. Despite the condemnation of the U.S. military operation, Rodríguez signaled a desire for improved relations with Washington.
Calls for Cooperation Amidst Condemnation
In a social media post Sunday, Rodríguez expressed Venezuela’s aspiration for “balanced and respectful international relations between Caracas and Washington.” She extended an invitation to the U.S. government, stating, “We invite the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development within the framework of international law to strengthen lasting community coexistence.”
The U.S. operation has drawn criticism from some within the Democratic party, with some labeling it an “impeachable offense.” However, others, like Senator John Fetterman, have defended the action.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation as Venezuelan authorities pursue arrests and the U.S. proceeds with legal proceedings against Maduro and his wife. The future of U.S.-Venezuela relations hangs in the balance, dependent on the outcome of these legal battles and the willingness of both sides to engage in constructive dialogue.
