Full Breakdown
Delcy Rodríguez's Role in the U.S. Capture of Nicolás Maduro
1/22/2026, 9:08:26 PM
Background & Context: The Build-Up to Maduro's Capture
In the months leading up to the U.S. military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, Delcy Rodríguez, then vice president of Venezuela, and her brother Jorge Rodríguez, head of the national assembly, engaged in secret negotiations with U.S. officials. These discussions began in the fall of 2025, following a pivotal phone call between President Donald Trump and Maduro in late November, where Trump demanded Maduro's resignation. Despite Maduro's refusal, Delcy Rodríguez communicated her willingness to cooperate with the U.S. post-Maduro, stating, “Maduro needs to go,” and expressing readiness to manage the aftermath.
Core Event: The Capture of Nicolás Maduro
On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces executed a military operation in Caracas, resulting in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve," was marked by significant violence, with reports indicating at least 83 fatalities, including 47 Venezuelan soldiers and 32 Cuban security personnel. The U.S. claimed the operation was executed with minimal casualties, a statement contradicted by Venezuelan officials and eyewitness accounts.
Delcy Rodríguez's Position and Promises
Following Maduro's capture, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president. She had previously assured U.S. and Qatari officials of her cooperation, although sources indicate she did not agree to actively assist in Maduro's ousting. Her relationship with U.S. officials, particularly under the Trump administration, was characterized by ongoing discussions about Venezuelan oil and potential transitional governance. Rodríguez's ties with Qatar, a U.S. ally, facilitated these negotiations, as she sought to position herself as a leader willing to work with American interests in the oil sector.
Official Statements & Responses
In the aftermath of the operation, Trump expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-Venezuelan relations, stating, “This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL.” Meanwhile, Delcy Rodríguez met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe to discuss the potential for improved diplomatic relations. However, the Venezuelan government did not respond to inquiries regarding the operation or its implications.
Criticism & Opposition
The military operation faced significant backlash, particularly from Venezuelan families affected by the violence. Natividad Martinez, mother of a soldier killed during the raid, criticized the U.S. intervention, stating, “You can’t come to my country and kill people like that.” Critics argue that the operation exemplified American imperialism in Latin America, with some Latin Americans expressing support for Maduro despite widespread discontent with his regime.
What's Next: Future Implications for Venezuela
The U.S. plans to oversee Venezuela's oil industry and has initiated sales of Venezuelan crude, with Trump announcing a deal to sell between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil. The first sale, valued at approximately $500 million, marks the beginning of a broader strategy to stabilize Venezuela's economy while ensuring U.S. interests in the region are prioritized. As the situation evolves, the international community will be closely monitoring the implications of U.S. involvement in Venezuela's governance and economic recovery.
