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Venezuela Accuses US of "Invading and Kidnapping" Former President Maduro

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez has condemned the US military operation that captured former President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, labeling it an invasion and kidnapping. Addressing the National Assembly, she called the event a "stain" on bilateral relations that must be resolved through diplomacy. Rodriguez called for national unity to confront external pressure while highlighting Venezuela's economic progress and 2026 strategic plan. Maduro and Flores were captured in early January and face trial in the US on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges.

Key Points: Venezuela Calls US Capture of Maduro a "Stain on Relations"

  • US operation called an invasion
  • Maduro captured on drug charges
  • Call for national unity
  • Diplomatic resolution demanded
  • Venezuela reports economic growth
2 min read

Venezuela's Rodriguez says US "invaded, kidnapped" Maduro; calls it a "stain on relations"

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez condemns the US operation that captured Nicolas Maduro, calling it an invasion and kidnapping that must be resolved diplomatically.

"They invaded and kidnapped President Maduro and the First Lady. It is a stain on the relations. - Delcy Rodriguez"

Caracas, January 16

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday stated that the US had invaded and kidnapped its former President Nicolas Maduro and the First Lady, Cilian Flores, calling the operation a "stain on relations" between the two countries and saying it must be resolved through diplomacy.

Addressing the National Assembly in her first major annual speech since assuming leadership, Rodriguez said the US military operation that resulted in Maduro's capture and transfer to the United States has damaged bilateral ties.

"They invaded and kidnapped President Maduro and the First Lady. It is a stain on the relations between the United States and Venezuela, and we said that we were going to resolve that stain diplomatically," she was quoted as saying by media house, El Cooperante.

Rodriguez, who was also presenting the country's 2025 annual report, also called for national unity to confront external pressure and reiterated Venezuela's readiness to engage with the United States through political dialogue, despite acknowledging Washington's global power.

"Venezuela is under threat and, for that reason, I call for national unity so that we can wage the diplomatic battle. And I say to you: if the day ever comes when it falls to me, as interim president, to go to Washington, I will do so standing tall, walking, not dragged there," she stated.

In her address, Rodriguez highlighted the current government's 2026 strategic plan, aimed at preserving the people's aspirations amid ongoing political and economic tensions with the United States. She also called for unity to wage what she described as a "diplomatic battle".

Rodriguez also pointed to economic progress, saying Venezuela achieved 8.5 per cent growth in 2025 and reported daily oil production of 1.2 million barrels in December, underscoring targets for economic resilience, as reported by El Cooperante.

Her remarks come almost two weeks after the US launched strikes on Venezuela's capital, Caracas and captured Maduro.

On January 3, the US launched a "large-scale strike" in the South American country, which led to the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Maduro and Flores were flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement. They were indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York and are currently facing trial.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
While the charges against Maduro are serious, the method sets a worrying example for global sovereignty. India has always believed in diplomatic solutions and non-interference. This "might is right" approach undermines the UN charter. Rodriguez is right to call for a diplomatic battle.
A
Aman W
Let's be real. The Venezuelan people have suffered for years under his regime. If he was involved in narco-terrorism, he should face justice. But was there truly no way to do this through international legal channels? The operation feels like a Hollywood movie, not statecraft.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see the economic data she shared - 8.5% growth and 1.2 million barrels/day. If accurate, that's significant amidst all this chaos. It shows the country is trying to function. The focus should be on stabilizing the economy for the common people, not just political drama.
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Vikram M
As an Indian, our foreign policy of strategic autonomy makes sense more than ever. We can't endorse such actions. What if tomorrow a powerful country decides to "capture" a leader they don't like in our region? Dialogue and diplomacy, however difficult, are the only civilized paths.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the criticism of the US action is missing some context. The article says he was indicted by a court. This wasn't a random kidnapping. If a leader is allegedly running a drug cartel that floods other countries with narcotics, there has to be accountability. The method is harsh, but the cause?

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