US ‘running’ Venezuela now seems less likely but second intervention possible
The Guardian••nation
Key Points:
- The US has scaled back plans for direct control of Venezuela after President Nicolás Maduro's capture, but maintains a 15,000-strong force in the Caribbean and could intervene militarily if interim president Delcy Rodríguez does not comply with US demands.
- Rodríguez publicly condemned Maduro's abduction but reportedly expressed willingness to cooperate with US officials privately, while Venezuelan government and military leaders called for Maduro's return but supported Rodríguez as a temporary leader.
- US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, denied an invasion, describing the operation as a limited law enforcement action and emphasizing continued sanctions and a "quarantine" on Venezuelan oil to pressure Maduro's successor.
- The raid and Maduro's arrest have caused anxiety and uncertainty among Venezuelans, with
