Venezuela’s Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino has confirmed that a significant portion of President Nicolas Maduro’s security detail was eliminated during a United States military operation that resulted in the leader’s capture on Saturday. The announcement came during a nationally televised address on Sunday morning, though precise casualty figures were not disclosed.
In the wake of Maduro’s apprehension, Padrino formally endorsed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as Venezuela’s interim leader. The defense minister further announced the full activation of the nation’s armed forces to protect territorial sovereignty and maintain constitutional order during this transitional period.
The operation represents one of the most significant foreign interventions in Latin America in recent decades, with implications for regional stability and international relations. The Venezuelan military’s response suggests preparations for potential continued confrontations, while the political transition under Rodriguez marks a dramatic shift in the country’s leadership structure.
International observers are closely monitoring developments as the situation continues to evolve, with particular attention to potential reactions from Venezuela’s allies and the broader implications for hemispheric security dynamics.