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.

Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's interior minister, faces an uncertain future despite remaining a powerful figure in the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez. Accused by U.S. prosecutors of drug trafficking and linked to repression, Cabello also has a U.S. bounty on his head. He maintains influence through allies in security services, pro-government militias, and the military, even installing a cousin to head the secret police in 2024. Cabello's anti-imperialist stance and control over key institutions make him a challenge for Rodríguez, who needs to appease the U.S. government. His fate is intertwined with the future of Venezuela's ruling political movement.