Before Maduro’s capture in Venezuela, US spoke with minister who is his loyal ally

Prior to and following the U.S. operation targeting Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, the Trump administration had been in communication with Diosdado Cabello, a key Maduro ally and Venezuela's Interior Minister. These discussions, which began early in Trump's presidency, involved warnings against Cabello using security forces to target the opposition. Cabello was also named in the same U.S. drug-trafficking indictment as Maduro, but was not apprehended. The communications are considered critical to the U.S.'s efforts to maintain control in Venezuela and prevent chaos that could threaten the interim president. The extent of the discussions and whether Cabello has heeded the warnings remain unclear.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the continuation of releasing prisoners detained under former President Nicolás Maduro, framing it as a "new political moment." This follows the release of at least four U.S. citizens after Maduro's ousting. Rodríguez stated the release process is ongoing, aiming for political and ideological diversity, while claiming 212 detainees have already been freed, though human rights groups estimate lower figures. She attributed the releases to Maduro's prior efforts to foster understanding, not U.S. pressure. Decisions on future releases will be based on evaluations of crimes related to constitutional order, coordinated by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. President Trump confirmed a recent conversation with Rodríguez, their first since Maduro's capture.

Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces on January 3, 2026, the article examines the future role of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Despite her past success in rallying support and winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, experts suggest her immediate political influence is uncertain. Machado, who had been living in hiding after the 2024 election, has been actively engaging with international figures, including Pope Leo and US President Donald Trump. While she was considered a potential successor to Maduro, she was passed over after his ouster. Analysts believe her role in shaping Venezuela's future is now more focused on long-term strategies.

In January 2026, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, the first call since Nicolas Maduro's abduction by U.S. forces. Rodriguez pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro's presidency, describing the call as productive and focused on a bilateral agenda. Trump praised Rodriguez and expressed optimism about a U.S.-Venezuela partnership concerning oil, minerals, trade, and national security. This follows the abduction of Maduro and his wife by the U.S. military on January 3rd and a cancelled second wave of attacks after Venezuela released prisoners as a sign of seeking peace with Washington. Rodriguez stated Venezuela is entering a "new political moment" with the release of detainees ongoing.

Venezuela has begun releasing detained American citizens, a move the US State Department calls "an important step." This is the first release of Americans since Nicolás Maduro's removal in January following a US military operation. The UN reports Venezuela has released about 50 prisoners out of an estimated 800 political prisoners. The interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, announced the releases as a "goodwill gesture." Donald Trump claimed the releases were happening "in a BIG WAY" and cited it as the reason for cancelling further airstrikes. However, critics like Ramón Guanipa argue the releases are insufficient and urge caution until all political prisoners are freed, accusing the government of using detentions to silence dissent, particularly after the disputed 2024 election.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado held her first news conference since fleeing Venezuela in December, following the abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro by the US military on January 3, 2026. Speaking at the Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C. on January 16, Machado outlined her vision for Venezuela's future, emphasizing a close alliance with the United States. She stated that a stable, post-Maduro Venezuela would be the US's best ally in the Americas. This announcement followed a closed-door meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The US military action to abduct Maduro, who is now facing trial in New York City, has been criticized by some as a violation of international law.

The United States State Department has urged American citizens to immediately leave Venezuela due to reports of armed pro-government militias, known as colectivos, searching for U.S. citizens and supporters. This alert follows the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. and subsequent unrest, including colectivos establishing roadblocks and checkpoints. While Maduro's successor has called for improved relations with the U.S., the State Department warns of a volatile situation with colectivos patrolling Caracas and increased security measures on major roads. The U.S. is advising its citizens to exercise extreme caution and take advantage of available international flights to depart the country. State Department officials visited Caracas on Friday to prepare for the potential reopening of the U.S. embassy.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump indicated that the US role in Venezuela could last for years following the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces. Trump refrained from giving a specific timeline but suggested it would extend beyond a year. The US has asserted control over Venezuela, particularly its oil sales, despite claims from interim leader Delcy Rodriguez that no foreign power governs Caracas. Trump stated the US is working well with Rodriguez's government, while the Venezuelan interior minister reported that 100 people were killed during the US operation to abduct Maduro. Maduro was taken to New York to face drug and weapons charges.

Following President Trump's ousting of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's government remains largely intact with Maduro loyalists in key positions. Delcy Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, was sworn in as interim leader on Monday, January 6, 2026. She balances defending Venezuela's sovereignty with addressing U.S. demands, offering cooperation while condemning U.S. intervention. Tarek Saab, Venezuela's attorney general, has called for cooperation among institutions against what he describes as "state terrorism" by the U.S. Maduro's supporters have diminished the opposition, leaving few independent voices in the National Assembly. Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy's brother and Maduro's chief strategist, also remains a key figure.

Following Nicolas Maduro's arrest by U.S. forces and arraignment in a New York court, Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president on Monday. Maduro pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges of drug trafficking and terrorism, insisting he was still the legitimate president and a "prisoner of war." The swearing-in ceremony in Venezuela's parliament included demands for Maduro's release. The U.S. defended its actions at the UN, citing Maduro's illegitimacy and the need to secure Venezuela's energy reserves. Venezuela's UN ambassador condemned the U.S. operation as an "illegitimate armed attack."

In January 2026, Venezuela initiated exploratory talks with the United States to potentially re-establish formal diplomatic ties, which were severed in 2019. This development follows the US military's abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, an action widely condemned as a violation of international law. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that US State Department officials are visiting Caracas, and Venezuela plans to send a delegation to Washington. The goal of these discussions is to restore diplomatic missions in both countries after relations deteriorated under President Hugo Chavez and fully ceased when the US recognized Juan Guaido as interim president in 2019. Despite condemning the US action, Rodriguez emphasized the need for dialogue and peace in the region.

Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by American forces and his transport to the US, an interim president in Venezuela has offered to collaborate with the United States. This development occurred after Donald Trump warned of further strikes. Tensions are high at the Venezuelan border with Colombia. European leaders are divided on how to respond, struggling to balance welcoming the removal of an authoritarian leader with upholding international law regarding the US's actions. Europe is emphasizing the need for a democratic transition, noting their non-recognition of Maduro's legitimacy since the disputed 2024 elections. The US has declared it will run Venezuela and control its oil industry.

Following the U.S. capture of Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, both countries announced they are exploring the possibility of restoring diplomatic ties. Venezuela stated it would send a delegation to Washington to assess its embassy, while U.S. diplomats visited Caracas to evaluate resuming embassy operations after nearly seven years. The exploratory diplomatic process aims to re-establish diplomatic missions in both countries and address the consequences of Maduro's capture. Despite ongoing tensions and conflicting actions, such as the U.S. targeting drug cartels allegedly linked to the Venezuelan government, both sides have expressed interest in a potential restoration of relations. These developments highlight the rapidly evolving and contradictory nature of the U.S.-Venezuela relationship.

According to Venezuelan officials, a U.S. military operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve," to capture President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, resulted in approximately 100 deaths. The operation, led by Delta Force, took place over the weekend. Venezuela's interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, reported Maduro sustained a leg injury and his wife, Cilia Flores, a head injury. Cuba claims 32 of its military personnel, who were in Venezuela at the request of the government, were also killed during the operation. A U.S. official stated that seven U.S. service members were injured, with five already returned to duty. Venezuela has declared a week of mourning for the deceased military members.

Following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro by US military forces, Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, asserted that Venezuela is not being governed by any foreign agent. This statement comes after Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges in a New York court. Venezuela's prosecutor general condemned the US military operation as an act of terrorism and demanded Maduro's release. The operation, which resulted in numerous deaths, has been widely criticized as a violation of international law, with Venezuela and Cuba reporting military casualties. While President Trump initially stated the US would "run" Venezuela, Secretary of State Rubio later clarified that the US would guide the country's direction through sanctions and access to its oil industry.

Following the U.S. capture and arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela faces increased instability as armed militias, guerrilla groups, and criminal networks exploit the power vacuum. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, backed by the U.S., now leads the country, but analysts warn that heavily armed groups could derail any progress toward stability. Key figures like Diosdado Cabello and Vladimir Padrino must be kept onside to maintain order. Government-aligned militias are already deployed in cities to suppress dissent, while guerrilla groups and organized crime are expanding their influence along Venezuela's borders and in resource-rich areas. The situation creates an environment of instability that benefits these armed actors.

In January 2026, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, according to the U.S. Following this, President Trump stated that Rodríguez would cooperate with the U.S. in governing Venezuela. However, Rodríguez quickly refuted this in a televised address, condemning the U.S. as an illegal invader and affirming Venezuela's determination to remain free. She emphasized that the U.S. seeks regime change to seize Venezuela's resources. Rodríguez delivered her address alongside Venezuela’s National Defense Council, signaling a unified front against U.S. intervention. She and other Venezuelan leaders continue to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president, defying Trump's demands.