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Venezuela's VP Calls U.S. Operation 'Illegal Kidnapping'

1/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's Vice President, condemned the operation as an 'illegal kidnapping' and demanded Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores be released.
She contradicted United States President Donald Trump’s claim that she was sworn in as interim president and would cooperate with United States plans.
Russia and China urged Venezuela's sovereignty, while the United States plans to prosecute Maduro in New York on drug charges.

History

Historical Context

In January 2019, Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president of Venezuela, challenging Nicolás Maduro's controversial re-election in May 2018, which many deemed illegitimate. The U.S. and several Western nations supported Guaidó, while Russia and China backed Maduro, intensifying geopolitical tensions. This crisis reflects the struggle for democracy in Venezuela and the impact of foreign intervention on its political landscape.

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Story summary

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's Vice President, condemned the operation as an 'illegal kidnapping' and demanded Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores be released.
She contradicted United States President Donald Trump’s claim that she was sworn in as interim president and would cooperate with United States plans.
Russia and China urged Venezuela's sovereignty, while the United States plans to prosecute Maduro in New York on drug charges.

1 / 2