Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez has issued a resolute pledge to secure the return of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who were apprehended by United States forces during a controversial military operation earlier this month.
Addressing a community gathering in Miranda state on Saturday, Rodríguez emphatically dismissed any notions of leadership uncertainty within the South American nation. “There is no uncertainty here. The Venezuelan people are in charge, and there is a government, that of President Nicolás Maduro,” she declared before assembled supporters.
The acting leader framed the recovery effort as a national priority, vowing not to rest “for a single minute” until both Maduro and Flores are safely returned to Venezuelan territory. Rodríguez invoked symbolic significance in her remarks, noting that exactly one year prior, she had been sworn in alongside Maduro at the commencement of his third presidential term. “Today, one year later, we are swearing for his freedom,” she proclaimed.
Rodríguez emphasized that national unity would prove decisive in what she characterized as the mission to “rescue” the captured leadership. She further reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to continuing implementation of the seven strategic action lines previously established by Maduro’s government, signaling continuity in governance despite the unprecedented circumstances.
The crisis stems from January 3rd military strikes conducted by US forces in Caracas and three additional Venezuelan cities—an operation that resulted in the detention of both Maduro and Flores. These actions have triggered widespread international condemnation and expressions of concern from numerous nations and global organizations.