Politics

A senior official from Venezuela announced on Sunday that the government will remain united in support of President Nicolas Maduro. His capture by the United States has created significant uncertainty about the future of the oil-rich South American country. Maduro is currently being held in a detention center in New York and is set to appear in court on Monday to face drug charges. U.S. President Donald Trump, who spent Sunday golfing, ordered Maduro's seizure from Venezuela the day before and stated that the U.S. would take control of the nation. In Caracas, however, high-ranking officials in Maduro's government, who have described the arrests of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as a kidnapping, continue to lead. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said in a recording shared by the ruling PSUV socialist party, “The unity of the revolutionary force is firmly assured, and there is only one president, Nicolas Maduro Moros. Do not be fooled by the enemy’s provocations.” Photos of the 63-year-old Maduro, blindfolded and handcuffed, shocked many Venezuelans. This operation marks Washington’s most contentious intervention in Latin America since the invasion of Panama 37 years ago. Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino mentioned on state television that the U.S. attack resulted in the deaths of soldiers, civilians, and a significant portion of Maduro’s security team “in cold blood.” He added that Venezuela’s armed forces have been mobilized to protect the nation’s sovereignty. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who is also the oil minister, has stepped in as interim leader with approval from Venezuela’s highest court, though she maintains that Maduro is still president. Rodriguez, known for her ties to the private sector and her extensive knowledge of oil, which is the country’s main source of income, is seen as the most pragmatic figure in Maduro’s circle. However, she has publicly disagreed with Trump’s assertion that she is open to collaborating with the United States. Trump warned that Rodriguez could face a harsher consequence than Maduro “if she doesn’t do what’s right,” according to an interview with The Atlantic magazine on Sunday.