Venezuela’s interim leadership says the government is staying united behind President Nicolás Maduro after his capture by the United States — a move that has left many people unsure what happens next.
Maduro, 63, is being held in a New York detention center and is due in court on Monday on U.S. drug charges. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the operation on Saturday and said the United States would take control of Venezuela.
In Caracas, Maduro’s allies kept running the country and condemned the detentions of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They called it a kidnapping. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the ruling movement remains united and insisted there is “only one president.” He also urged supporters not to fall for what he described as enemy provocations.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said, without sharing details, that the U.S. action killed soldiers and civilians and took out much of Maduro’s security detail. He said Venezuela’s armed forces have been activated to defend the country’s sovereignty.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who is also the oil minister, has stepped in as interim leader with support from Venezuela’s top court. She has said Maduro is still president and rejected claims that she is willing to work with Washington.
In the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela’s next leader must align with U.S. interests. He pointed to two priorities: keeping control of Venezuelan oil away from U.S. adversaries and stopping drug trafficking. He also cited oil-related sanctions as leverage.
On the ground, Sunday was tense but mostly calm. A few Maduro supporters marched, while many residents carried on quietly. Some stocked up on basic supplies as they waited for the next development.