Venezuela-US Tensions: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has strongly accused the United States of invading the country and forcibly taking away former President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. She called the operation a serious blow to ties between the two nations and said the issue must be settled through diplomatic means.
Rodríguez made these remarks while addressing Venezuela’s National Assembly, marking her first major annual speech since taking over as interim leader. She said the US military action that led to Maduro’s capture and transfer to the United States has badly damaged bilateral relations.
“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 said.
During her address, Rodríguez urged Venezuelans to stand together at a time when the country is facing strong external pressure. She said unity is essential to defend national sovereignty and to fight what she described as a “diplomatic battle.”
Despite her sharp criticism of Washington, Rodríguez made it clear that Venezuela remains open to political dialogue. Acknowledging the global influence of the United States, she said diplomacy remains the preferred path forward.
“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.
Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez:
If someday I would have to go to Washington, I would do it standing and walking, not dragged. pic.twitter.com/se02TkwlFm
— TabZ (@TabZLIVE) January 15, 2026
Venezuela Interim Government Lays Out 2026 Strategic Vision
Rodríguez also used the platform to present Venezuela’s 2025 annual report and outline the government’s 2026 strategic plan. She said the plan focuses on protecting the aspirations of the people while navigating ongoing political and economic tensions with the United States.
She stressed that maintaining stability and independence remains a key priority for the current administration.
Venezuela Highlights Economic Progress
Amid the political crisis, Rodríguez pointed to signs of economic recovery. She said Venezuela recorded 8.5 per cent economic growth in 2025, calling it an encouraging development.
She also highlighted the country’s oil sector, stating that daily oil production reached 1.2 million barrels in December, which she said reflects efforts to strengthen economic resilience despite sanctions and pressure.
US Military Operation Sparks Regional Shock
Rodríguez’s comments came nearly two weeks after the United States carried out a large-scale military strike targeting Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. The operation resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores.
The former president and the first lady were flown out of Venezuela as part of a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities.
Maduro and Flores Face Trial in the US
Following their transfer, Maduro and Flores were formally charged in the United States. The charges include alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies. Both are currently facing trial, marking a dramatic turn in Venezuela’s long-running standoff with Washington.
Diplomatic Relations at a Breaking Point
The capture of Venezuela’s former leader has sharply escalated tensions between the two countries. While the US maintains its legal stance, Venezuela’s interim leadership continues to push for a diplomatic resolution, warning that the episode has left a deep scar on bilateral relations.
