Search for Maduro Supporters Initiated

Venezuelan officials have been directed to locate and detain those who supported the military operation resulting in Nicolas Maduro’s arrest. This state of emergency was declared over the weekend and officially announced on Monday.

The order mandates police to “urgently embark on a nationwide search to apprehend anyone involved in endorsing or facilitating armed attacks by the United States,” as per Reuters. However, the specific charges for those arrested remain unclear.

Maduro made his initial court appearance in New York on Monday, shortly after being detained by U.S. forces. Both he and his wife face charges related to drug terrorism brought forth by the Department of Justice.

During the court proceedings, Maduro maintained his innocence, stating, “I am not guilty of anything mentioned here.” Meanwhile, in a reaction to the U.S. operation, some Democrats have described it as an ‘unimpeachable crime.’

In Maduro’s absence, Delcy Rodríguez, his former deputy, has stepped in as Venezuela’s interim president. Rodríguez has been a longstanding ally of Maduro and held the vice presidency since 2018.

Although she condemned the U.S. military action, Rodríguez expressed a desire for balanced, respectful relations between Venezuela and the U.S. in a recent social media update. She urged the U.S. government to collaborate on a cooperative development agenda that aligns with international law for the benefit of both nations.