U.S. President Donald Trump is facing intensifying domestic and international pressure after the Venezuelan government declared a form of resistance in response to the U.S. capture of President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation earlier this month.
The Venezuelan Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, has rejected U.S. actions and called for the defence of Venezuelan sovereignty, demanding the immediate return of Maduro and denouncing the U.S. operation as unlawful interference.
“We lost Comandante Hugo Chávez; we have no physical way to bring him back, because he was killed. But we will bring Nicolás back,” he said, closing his remarks to applause and chants from the demonstrators.
Venezuela Labels U.S. Action “Kidnapping” and Crime
Cabello spoke on January 6, during a march of women supporters of Chavismo in Caracas, where participants demanded the release and return of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Also Read: Trump Announces Capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro
He described the U.S. military’s seizure of the Venezuelan leaders as a “kidnapping” by “North American imperialism” and called on the international community to reject what he characterised as an illegal act that violated Venezuelan sovereignty and international norms, though no independent evidence was presented to substantiate his claims.
Cabello condemned the U.S. military strikes in Caracas, alleging they caused civilian casualties, and argued that the actions contravened both international law and domestic U.S. regulations, again without providing verifiable evidence.
Cabello also framed Maduro’s status as that of a “prisoner of war” held in U.S. territory despite Maduro having been elected as Venezuela’s constitutional president, a position not recognised by the United States following a disputed 2024 election and subsequent military action.
Also Read: Venezuela Receives Free Starlink Internet After Trump Invasion
“The world raises its voice, but above all Venezuelans,” said Cabello, who insisted that different national and international sectors would be demanding the return of Maduro and Flores.
Capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro
In a Truth Social post on January 3, Trump said the operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies and that President Maduro and his wife were apprehended and flown out of Venezuela.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” read part of the statement.
The United States had for years accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of heading an international drug trafficking network, allegations he has consistently denied.
US had previously announced a reward of up to $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s capture.
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