This handout picture released by the Miraflores Palace press office shows Venezuela's Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez (C) speaking next to Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez (2nd-L) and Venezuela's Minister of Interior Relations, Justice, and Peace, Diosdado Cabello (2nd-R) during a council of ministers meeting at the Vice Presidency headquarters in Caracas on January 4, 2026. President Donald Trump insisted on January 4, 2026, that the United States is "in charge" of Venezuela after the seizure of Nicolas Maduro, but was also dealing with the new interim leadership in Caracas. (Photo by Marcelo Garcia / Miraflores press office / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / MIRAFLORES PRESS OFFICE / HANDOUT / MARCELO GARCIA " – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Sunday announced the formation of a special commission to pursue the release of former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following their removal from power by United States forces in Caracas.
Rodriguez said the commission would be jointly led by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, with Information Minister Freddy Nanez also included as a member.
Maduro, who has been accused by United States authorities of drug trafficking and terrorism, was detained on Saturday and transferred to New York, where he is being held at a detention facility ahead of a court appearance scheduled for Monday.
In a separate statement issued on Telegram, Rodriguez called for a “balanced and respectful” relationship between Venezuela and the United States, stressing that dialogue and cooperation were essential to shared development. She said Venezuela was ready to engage Washington on a joint agenda for cooperation and mutual respect.
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Meanwhile, Venezuela’s military formally recognised Rodriguez as the country’s acting president. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the armed forces were backing a Supreme Court ruling that appointed her to lead the country for an initial 90-day period.
Padrino urged citizens to resume normal economic, work and educational activities following the US military operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture, saying the country must continue along its constitutional path.
However, the defence minister condemned the operation as a “cowardly kidnapping,” alleging that some of Maduro’s bodyguards, along with military personnel and civilians, were killed during the action. Venezuelan authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure.
On Sunday, large parts of Caracas remained quiet, with many businesses shut and only limited activity recorded at markets and pharmacies, as uncertainty continued to grip the capital.
