Venezuela’s Interim President Rejects US Control Claims

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez insisted Thursday that her country was not “subjugated,” dismissing claims by US President Donald Trump that Washington was effectively in charge of Venezuela following a dramatic military operation that ousted her President Nicolás Maduro.

“We are not subordinate or subjugated,” Rodríguez said during a ceremony in Caracas honouring hundreds of Venezuelans her government said were killed during the January 3 US assault.

“Nobody surrendered. There was fighting for the homeland,” she added, underlining Venezuelan resistance to the attack.

LEADERSHIP had reported that the United States conducted a major military operation against Venezuela on January 3, 2026, involving airstrikes and a special forces raid that captured President Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

The action, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” aimed at Maduro over alleged drug trafficking and ties to terrorist groups. Casualties included dozens killed, with reports varying from 40 to over 100, mostly Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel.

Maduro made his first US court appearance on January 5, 2026, in Manhattan federal court, pleading not guilty to narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons charges tied to alleged drug trafficking networks. His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty as next hearing to hold on March 17.