Donald Trump has warned Venezuela’s new leader Delcy Rodríguez she could “pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro” if she “doesn’t do what’s right,” following a US operation that led to the capture of ousted President Nicolás Maduro.
US Operation and Maduro’s Capture
Maduro, charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences, was flown to the US after being captured in a special forces operation early Saturday. US officials accuse Maduro of running a “narco-terrorist” regime, a claim he denies. Trump posted a picture of Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima after his arrest.
Rodríguez’s Response and Inauguration
Delcy Rodríguez, who served as Maduro’s vice president, adopted a conciliatory tone at her first cabinet meeting on Sunday, offering co-operation with the US. She stated, “We invite the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of co-operation orientated towards shared development within the framework of international law.” Rodríguez is set to be sworn in as president on Monday in Caracas at 08:00 local time (12:00 GMT), backed by Venezuela’s Supreme Court and the military.
US Stance and Concerns
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted the US is not at war with Venezuela, despite air strikes in Caracas. Some Democratic lawmakers, however, have described the operation as an “act of war.” Trump stated that regime change in Venezuela would be “better than what you have right now,” adding, “Can’t get any worse.”
International Reactions
Cuba has announced two days of national mourning after 32 “brave Cuban combatants” died during the US operation. Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement calling the US military actions “an extremely dangerous precedent” and a threat to regional security.
Debate Over Legality and Authorization
Rubio defended the US operation, characterizing it as a “law enforcement operation” and stating that Congressional authorization was not necessary because it wasn’t an invasion. He also clarified that the US does not recognize the current Venezuelan regime as legitimate. Some Democratic lawmakers have questioned the legality of the operation, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling it a military action involving significant resources. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer questioned the legality of the operation and warned against “lawlessness.”
Trump’s Threats to Colombia
Trump also threatened Venezuela’s neighbor Colombia, stating that Colombian President Gustavo Petro is “a sick man” involved in cocaine trafficking and suggesting military action “sounds good to me.”
Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has been accused of repressing opposition groups and silencing dissent. He denies being a cartel leader and accuses the US of using the “war on drugs” as a pretext for intervention. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said a “large part” of Maduro’s security team and “soldiers and innocent civilians” were killed in the US operation.
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