Venezuelan Military Appoints Delcy Rodriguez as Acting President Following Maduro's Arrest

/ CBS/AFP

Following the apprehension of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's armed forces have acknowledged Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the interim head of the nation.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez confirmed a decision by the Supreme Court appointing Rodriguez as the temporary president for a period of 90 days.

Since 2018, Rodriguez has been second in command under Maduro, managing crucial aspects of the country's oil-reliant economy and its formidable intelligence apparatus. The highest court in Venezuela concluded she should step into the interim presidency on Saturday.

President Donald Trump remarked that the United States has established communication with Rodriguez and noted her readiness to take actions favored by the U.S. to restore Venezuela.

During Trump's first term, Rodriguez was subject to U.S. sanctions due to her involvement in destabilizing democratic processes within Venezuela.

In a televised address, Rodriguez condemned the capture of Maduro, describing it as a violation by the U.S. and demanded his and his wife's immediate release as a matter of respecting Venezuelan sovereignty.

Rodriguez expressed an openness to dialogue with the U.S., while reassuring members of her political faction.

She emphasized, "Our government seeks mutual respect and is open to building a respectful international relationship in the aftermath of such aggression."

Trump issued a stark warning to Rodriguez, implying severe repercussions if she fails to align with U.S. interests, potentially facing consequences more severe than those intended for Maduro.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the discussions with Rodriguez as complex and requiring composed diplomacy.

He stated, "Our goals remain unchanged. The previous leader, whom we could not work with, is no longer, offering a new opportunity for dialogue."

Maduro, along with his spouse Cilia Flores, is set to face serious charges associated with drug trafficking and other illicit activities, all of which Maduro vehemently denies.

A White House social media post circulated a video of Maduro being escorted by U.S. law enforcement, further underscoring the severity of his detainment.

Defense Minister Padrino Lopez, in a public broadcast, mentioned casualties among Maduro's security detail during the operation, although exact numbers were not disclosed.

There hasn't been an official report on the toll from the U.S. operation yet. President Trump commented on minor injuries sustained by American personnel with no fatalities.

Padrino Lopez encouraged Venezuelans to return to their regular routines, emphasizing a return to constitutional normalcy in the days ahead.