Venezuela's interim leader ramps up crackdown after US captures Maduro

Thursday 08 January 2026 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Venezuela's interim leader ramps up crackdown after US captures Maduro

Days after US forces seized Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela's interim government under Delcy Rodríguez has unleashed a sweeping crackdown on dissent. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced Wednesday that 100 people died in the American raid, with a similar number wounded. Armed militias patrol streets, journalists face detention, and security forces scour phones at checkpoints for signs of celebrating the ousted president's capture.

The repression escalated following Rodríguez's oath as interim president Monday at the National Assembly. A 90-day state of emergency decree signed by Maduro before his arrest but published that day directs police to "immediately search for and capture" anyone backing the "US armed attack." At least 14 journalists and media workers covering the inauguration were detained, with security officials rifling through gear and forcing phone unlocks to check messages and social media.

Fear grips Caracas. Pro-government paramilitary colectivos have set up checkpoints along major highways, halting vehicles and demanding passenger phone access. A Petare community leader reported "hooded, armed men" monitoring WhatsApp statuses. Many Venezuelans have deleted social media accounts and message histories to avoid reprisals. In Zulia state, a 44-year-old street vendor was arrested for celebrating Maduro's capture, with police demanding $1,000 for release. Two men in their sixties were detained in Guárico for firing celebratory shots into the air.

The US operation's toll continues mounting. Cabello's Wednesday claim of 100 deaths marks a sharp rise from prior figures. Cuba reported 32 of its military and intelligence personnel killed, while Venezuelan armed forces named 24 soldiers lost, complete with photos. Court documents indicate Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were injured during the raid as they tried reaching a safe room.

The opposition stands sidelined. The Trump administration backs Rodríguez's interim rule despite her defiant rhetoric and crackdown. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been frozen out. Trump stated it would be "very difficult" for her to take power, lacking sufficient domestic support. White House officials said engagement with Rodríguez hinges on cooperation, warning of potential further US military action if she disregards American interests.

Rodríguez has toggled between defiance and accommodation. She declared Tuesday that "the government of Venezuela runs our country" and "no foreign agent governs Venezuela." Yet she also pledged 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the US, as President Trump asserted control over sales revenue.