In a chilling warning to the international community, Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López declared that the unprecedented American military intervention marks a “dangerous precedent” that could be repeated against any sovereign nation.
He urged the world to observe the “cowardly kidnapping” of a sitting head of state as a direct threat to the established global order.
US President Donald Trump has issued a chilling warning to Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, stating she could face consequences “bigger than Maduro” if she fails to cooperate with American interests.
This development follows the dramatic capture of former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by US special forces during a pre-dawn raid in Caracas.
While Rodriguez was initially praised for her role in the transition, her subsequent vow to protect Venezuela’s natural resources has drawn Trump’s ire. Washington is now demanding full access to the nation’s vast oil reserves and a swift transition toward a US-aligned government.
Global Precedent
In a televised address to the nation, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López condemned the capture of Nicolás Maduro as an act of “brutal aggression” that violates every tenet of international law.
He warned that if the world remains silent, no country is safe from similar “interventionist policies” and “colonialist approaches.”
López emphasized that the kidnapping of a constitutional leader sets a terrifying standard where “might makes right,” effectively reviving the Monroe Doctrine. He urged global leaders to reject this “psychological warfare,” asserting that the sovereignty of all nations is at stake if such unilateral military actions are normalized.
Fall Of Maduro Regime
The current crisis reached a breaking point when US military personnel conducted “Operation Absolute Resolve,” extracting Nicolas Maduro to face narcotrafficking and terrorism charges in a New York court.
Following this vacuum of power, Delcy Rodriguez, who served as Vice President since 2018, assumed the role of interim president with the backing of the Venezuelan military.
However, the recognition from Washington came with heavy strings attached. While the US initially viewed her as a facilitator for change, Trump has made it clear that her survival depends entirely on her willingness to align with the White House’s economic and political agenda for the region.
Venezuela’s Vast Oil Wealth
A central theme of this conflict is the control of Venezuela’s oil, which remains among the largest proven reserves globally. In a recent interview with The Atlantic, Trump was candid about his intentions, suggesting that the US should “run” the country to ensure economic stability and resource security.
Rodriguez has found herself in a precarious position, attempting to balance nationalistic sentiment with the reality of a massive US naval presence in the Caribbean. Trump’s warning that she is “going to pay a very big price” serves as a direct threat against any attempts to nationalise or restrict American access to Venezuelan energy sectors.
Military Readiness
The Republican leader has confirmed that the United States remains in a state of high military readiness regarding Venezuela. Although he mentioned that a “second wave” of strikes was prepared but currently deemed unnecessary, he emphasised that military action is not off the table.
This “sledgehammer” diplomacy is intended to force Rodriguez into holding elections at a time and in a manner that suits Washington’s strategic goals.
US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have reinforced this stance, indicating that the administration is dealing with those “just sworn in” with a high degree of skepticism and a demand for immediate results.
Venezuela Humanitarian Crisis
Beyond the political chess match, the humanitarian situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, with citizens facing extreme inflation and shortages of basic goods.
International observers are divided on the US intervention; some see it as a necessary step to end a long-standing dictatorship, while others view it as a blatant violation of national sovereignty.
The threat against Rodriguez has further polarised regional leaders in Latin America, who fear that a total collapse or a prolonged US military occupation could destabilise the entire continent. The transition of power remains fragile, with the looming shadow of further American strikes keeping the interim government on edge.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the sovereignty of a nation and the dignity of its people should never be compromised by external threats or military force.
While the need for democratic reform and economic stability in Venezuela is undeniable, a lasting peace can only be built through genuine internal dialogue and mutual respect between nations. Using the threat of “a bigger price” to extract natural resources undermines the spirit of global harmony and coexistence.
