05.01.2026 14:30
Before the operation in which the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, it was claimed that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez held secret meetings with the Washington administration. In these meetings, Rodríguez presented herself as a 'more acceptable' leader to the U.S. compared to Maduro.
Months before Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by the U.S. military, it was revealed that one of the most critical figures in the country, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, was holding secret meetings with the Washington administration. These meetings reportedly took place in Doha, the capital of Qatar, with the mediation of a senior member of the Qatari royal family.
According to allegations, Rodríguez presented herself as a "more acceptable" leader candidate to the U.S. compared to Maduro during these secret contacts. Information reported in the American press indicated that a "system without Maduro" was proposed to Washington. This plan meant maintaining the current administration while sidelining Maduro.
These developments strengthened claims that the military operation in which the U.S. captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores was an "insider-supported plan." It is alleged that the operation was meticulously prepared months in advance and that information was provided from within the Venezuelan administration.
The U.S. military made a striking entry into Venezuela on Saturday. Helicopters infiltrated the country by flying at a height of about 30 meters, very close to sea level. During this time, Venezuela's air defense systems had been rendered ineffective. Nevertheless, the lack of serious resistance faced by U.S. helicopters raised questions about "why no fire was opened?"
Former Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos openly argued that Maduro was handed over to the U.S. by his own circle. Santos strengthened the betrayal claim by stating, "They didn't overthrow him; they handed him over directly."
According to sources close to the matter, the CIA assigned a secret team to Venezuela starting in August. This team monitored Maduro's daily life step by step. Where he stayed, what he ate, what clothes he wore, and even his pets were tracked. This information ensured that the operation could be carried out smoothly.
After the operation, Delcy Rodríguez initially took a hard stance, condemning the U.S. attack and demanding Maduro's release. However, just one day later, she changed her tone. In a statement made as the acting president, she said they were ready to cooperate with the Trump administration and wanted to establish relations based on mutual respect with the U.S.
According to Colombian politician Santos, these developments are not coincidental. He believes that the U.S. aims to eliminate Maduro and initiate a transition process with a figure from within the regime. This figure is Delcy Rodríguez.
Rodríguez had been managing Venezuela's economy and intelligence structure as one of Maduro's closest associates since 2018. The Venezuelan Supreme Court appointed her as the acting president following the operation.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Rodríguez is "ready to make Venezuela strong again" and announced the operation to the public.