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Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez on Tuesday firmly rejected claims by the United States that it is now in control of the country, and also announced a week of national mourning for those killed during the US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.Speaking on state television, Rodriguez said Venezuela remained sovereign and was being governed by its own people. She pushed back against statements by US President Donald Trump, who has said Washington is now “in charge” and that Venezuela will hand over millions of barrels of oil to the United States.
“The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no-one else,” Rodriguez said, three days after US special forces carried out a raid in the Venezuelan capital and detained Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who have since been taken to the United States to face trial. At the same time, Rodriguez struck a sombre tone at home. She announced seven days of mourning for those killed in the US assault, describing them as people who lost their lives defending the country.”We are a people that does not surrender, we are a people that does not give up,” she declared, paying tribute to the “martyrs” of the US attacks. Venezuelan authorities confirmed that at least 23 members of the armed forces, including five generals, were killed. Cuba, a close ally, said 32 Cuban military personnel also died. Venezuela has not released an official civilian death toll, though the attorney general said there were “dozens” of civilian and military casualties.In Caracas, thousands of Maduro supporters marched through the streets, demanding his release. While some Venezuelans oppose Maduro, fear of state repression has limited public celebrations over his downfall.The constitution says that once Maduro is formally declared absent, elections must be held within 30 days, setting the stage for a deeply uncertain period ahead for the country.
