In her first cabinet meeting since the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces, Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez addressed a direct message to the United States administration, calling for cooperation within the framework of international law.
Rodríguez emphasized her government’s priority of pursuing a “balanced and mutually respectful” relationship with the United States, stressing a commitment to peace and rejecting external threats. “We reaffirm our commitment to peace and dialogue, and we aspire to live free from any external threat,” she stated. Directly appealing to U.S. President Donald Trump, she added, “We tell President Donald Trump that our people and our region deserve peace, not war.” She called on Washington to engage in a cooperative agenda that respects international law and ensures regional stability.
State television broadcast footage of the meeting at the Miraflores Presidential Palace, where Rodríguez was flanked by key figures including Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The assembly focused on the nation’s political and security crisis, occurring hours after Padrino López announced the armed forces were on high alert to “guarantee national sovereignty.” He also confirmed his recognition of Rodríguez’s 90-day interim presidency, a mandate granted by the Supreme Court following Maduro’s arrest and transfer to a detention center in New York pending trial.
Meanwhile, President Trump escalated tensions, renewing threats against Venezuela’s leadership. He asserted the United States was “leading the current phase in Venezuela” and vowed to launch a “second strike” if the new leadership did not comply with U.S. demands. Trump indicated Washington is dealing with the “sworn-in authorities” with a focus on “restoring order” before discussing elections, and warned Rodríguez would “pay a heavy price if she doesn’t do the right thing.” He affirmed U.S. interests in gaining “full access to Venezuela’s oil and natural resources,” and noted the initial military operation resulted in no U.S. casualties.
Rising Death Toll and Condemnation
A New York Times report, citing unnamed sources, indicated the death toll from the U.S. raid had risen to approximately 80, including military personnel and civilians, with fears the number could climb further in the absence of an official Venezuelan statement. Defense Minister Padrino López condemned the operation, stating a large number of presidential security team members had been killed in what he described as “cold-blooded murder.”
In the wake of the violence and political upheaval, a cautious calm enveloped the capital, Caracas, with sparse street activity and the closure of most businesses and gas stations.
Source: agencies+Reuters