Maduro's first message from his US prison and a warning to Washington citizens
In a rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela following the recent military operation, US authorities issued a strongly worded warning to their citizens to leave Venezuela immediately, describing the security situation in the country as "unstable" and posing increasing risks. This warning coincided with the first indirect media appearance of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from his detention in the United States.
A message of reassurance from Brooklyn prison
A week after his arrest and transfer to the United States, Nicolás Maduro broke his silence with a video message delivered by his son and released by Venezuela's ruling party. In his brief message, Maduro asserted, "We are fine... We are fighters," attempting to reassure his supporters and affirm his resilience despite the harsh conditions surrounding his detention. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently being held in a federal prison in Brooklyn, New York, facing serious drug trafficking charges. They pleaded not guilty to these charges during their initial court appearance and are awaiting their next hearing scheduled for March 17.
Background and repercussions of the military operation
The details of the arrest date back to a special operation carried out by US special forces on January 3, accompanied by precision airstrikes on the capital, Caracas. According to the official account from Venezuelan authorities, this operation resulted in the deaths of approximately 100 people, further inflaming public and official tensions within the country. This event marks a dangerous turning point in Latin American relations, as the arrest of a head of state and his transfer for trial in another country is a rare precedent that has sparked widespread legal and political debate internationally.
Political vacuum and internal turmoil
Domestically, Venezuela is experiencing political turmoil. Around a thousand supporters of Chavista (the movement of the late President Hugo Chávez) and Maduro marched through the streets of Caracas, chanting slogans demanding the return of the president and his wife, and calling for Maduro and Cilia to return to their families. These protests coincide with the anniversary of what was supposed to be Maduro's inauguration for a third presidential term following the 2024 elections, which were widely rejected by the opposition as fraudulent.
An uncertain future and alternative leadership
In Maduro's absence, his vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has taken center stage, appearing as acting president on field visits and declaring passionately, "We will not rest for a moment until the president returns... We will save him, of course we will." The international community, particularly neighboring countries and global oil markets, is watching the situation in Venezuela very closely, as continued instability in the country with the world's largest oil reserves could have repercussions for the global economy and energy security, as well as potentially exacerbating the refugee and migration crisis in the region.
