Former Colombian VP alleges acting Venezuelan president facilitated US operation against Maduro

Former Colombian Vice President Francisco (Pacho) Santos has asserted that acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez played a decisive role in the US-led capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, claiming the event reflected a coordinated agreement with the Donald Trump administration to initiate a political transition in Venezuela.

“They didn’t remove him, they delivered him. I am absolutely certain that Delcy Rodríguez delivered him,” Santos said, referring to the military operation conducted in the early hours of January 3 by the United States, which resulted in Maduro and Flores being taken into custody, El Colombiano reports.

Santos also addressed Maduro’s judicial situation, arguing that the Venezuelan leader was effectively betrayed by his inner circle. Maduro and his wife appeared in a New York court hearing on January 5, coinciding with Rodríguez’s swearing-in as acting president—a development Santos viewed as highly suspicious.

“I come with pain for the kidnapping of two heroes we have as hostages in the United States,” Rodríguez said during her oath-taking. “I also come with honor to take the oath on behalf of all Venezuelans.” Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Caracas, calling for the release of Maduro and Flores and chanting, “Maduro, hold on, Venezuela rises!” under the scorching midday sun.

In an interview with Colombian media, Santos described the operation as orchestrated: “This was an operation in which he was delivered, and obviously the whole scenario was staged. Second, President Trump said that Delcy would lead the transition, and she is fully aware of the role she is going to play. Third, she will try to gain some independence.”

Santos also commented on the prospective role of Nobel Peace Prize nominee María Corina Machado, suggesting she faces the challenge of “carving out a space” with the US president to influence the transition process.

“Trump was very pragmatic and has already made three decisions: take Maduro, stage a transition with someone from the regime, and secure financing and profits for the oil companies,” Santos added.

Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, 56, who became vice president in 2018 and is first in the line of succession, has exercised significant control over Venezuela’s economy, managing it with a degree of flexibility distinct from strict Chavista policies, and oversees the nation’s vital oil sector, which holds the world’s largest crude reserves.

“The work María Corina will have to do is go to Florida and coordinate with Carlos Antonio Giménez—US representative for Florida’s 28th congressional district since 2023—and with María Elvira Salazar, member of the US House of Representatives,” Santos concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva