Venezuela
In her speech, Rodríguez, who is next in the line of succession and has been sworn in as interim president, rejected any cooperation with the U.S. and insisted that Maduro remains the only legitimate president of Venezuela. She demanded his immediate release, along with that of his wife, labeling the U.S. action as an “unprecedented military aggression,” a “kidnapping,” and a “brutal attack” aimed at regime change and the seizure of Venezuela’s resources, particularly its vast oil reserves.
Rodríguez Appealed
Rodríguez appealed for national unity and calm while vowing that the government and people are ready to defend the country and its natural resources. She emphatically stated that Venezuela will never be a colony of any nation, nor will its people become “slaves” to any empire. She described the strikes as a violation of international law and called for global condemnation.
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Face Consequences
This stance directly contradicts earlier claims by President Trump, who said during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago that Rodríguez had agreed to work with the U.S. to “run” Venezuela temporarily and facilitate a transition, including tapping its oil reserves. Trump also warned that officials loyal to Maduro would face consequences.
Secretary-General
The U.S. operation has drawn mixed reactions internationally: some leaders welcomed Maduro’s removal, while others, including the UN Secretary-General, condemned it as a dangerous precedent. In Venezuela, Maduro loyalists have rallied, and the government has declared a state of emergency. Opposition figures have expressed cautious optimism about potential change.
Final Thought
The situation remains highly fluid, with no confirmed U.S. military presence on the ground beyond the initial raid, and Maduro is reportedly en route to the U.S. to face trial.