On the geopolitical chessboard of Latin America, blood and oil are the only things that matter.
The abduction of Nicolás Maduro by the US Delta Force was not merely a military success, but the result of a dark transaction from within the entrails of the regime itself.
While Maduro is being tried “in shackles” in New York, a swearing in ceremony is being set up in Caracas that reeks of betrayal from miles away.
In particular, developments in Caracas have become the subject of intense speculation and international concern following the sudden abduction of the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, by the United States.
Although the accusations of treason against Maduro remain active, particular interest has been sparked by the swearing in ceremony of his interim vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, which was accompanied by symbolism that raises questions about the legitimacy and the dynamics of the new political situation.
But let us take things from the beginning: After the American attack on Caracas, during which Nicolás Maduro was abducted, he and his wife were transported by American troops to New York, where they were brought before a judge.
Maduro denies all the charges attributed to him, while his trial was postponed until 17 March.
His arrest took place as part of an extremely rapid operation lasting only a few hours, a fact that intensifies questions about the method and legal basis of the American intervention.
At the same time, both the Venezuelan army and Maduro’s close political circle have come under fierce criticism.
Barbs
After the arrest of his father, the 35 year old Nicolás Maduro Guerra appeared dynamically on social media with a message to the Venezuelan political scene, but he strongly supports the former vice president Delcy Rodríguez.
He himself, who is also a member of parliament and an ardent supporter of the Chávez regime, directed barbs at the base of his movement, implying the presence of possible traitors among those holding power.
“History will say who the traitors were, history will reveal it”, was the harsh statement of Maduro Guerra, who until now had focused on the American military operation, characterizing it as a foreign invasion.
The journalist Jaime Bayly provided details about the operation against Maduro and about who the two individuals who betrayed him might be.
In a video, he spoke of a senior military officer who allegedly provided critical information for locating Maduro.
“How did the United States know where Maduro and Cilia Flores were sleeping? Because a high ranking Venezuelan military officer betrayed Maduro.
He told the CIA: ‘Maduro is sleeping here tonight’. It appeared to be a house, a shelter, Trump has described it as a fortified compound with steel doors, very difficult to break into.
But Trump has said that once they learned Maduro was there and that they could get in, it was because the Delta Force had trained in its camps in Puerto Rico with a replica of Maduro’s house”, he stated.
Subsequently, the same journalist, speaking on Blu Radio, broadcast several audio excerpts from Venezuelan figures who believe that the person who betrayed him is Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed duties as interim president of Venezuela.
She is targeted because she has responsibility over the oil sector in the country, which is of primary interest to the United States.
Who benefits
In any case, it is necessary to identify who benefits from the fall of Maduro.
Many supporters of the successor of Hugo Chávez immediately turn their gaze to Delcy Rodríguez, vice president, and her brother Jorge, leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly.
Because she is the one who, according to the law, temporarily assumes the reins of the country that possesses the largest oil reserves in the world, with more than 300 billion barrels.
With that in her hands, the reward of 50 million dollars that was being offered for Maduro seems small.
Moreover, she is one of the few figures close to the dictator who does not have an arrest warrant and, even more so, there is no bounty on her head.
Trump revealed yesterday that Delcy “had a long discussion with Marco [Rubio, Secretary of State] and said: we will do whatever you need”, which is why all eyes are on her, as she will undertake the transition and will be Washington’s hand to govern “for as long as needed”.
If a “safe transition” is not implemented, in Trump’s view, the next in the line of succession after Delcy is her brother Jorge, also without charges in the USA.
If they are not the traitors, what is certain is that the arrest of their leader came to them “like a glove”.
Swearing in ceremony
Naturally, public attention focused mainly on the swearing in ceremony of Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed interim duties at the leadership of the country.
Particular impression was caused by the fact that Delcy Rodríguez’s oath was administered by her own brother, Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly, a development that triggered reactions and discussions about conflict of roles and institutional neutrality.
At the same time, the Constitution on which Rodríguez swore was held by the son of the abducted president, Nicolás Maduro Guerra.
Nicolás Maduro Guerra publicly declared his full loyalty to the new interim leadership and to Delcy Rodríguez.
In a speech in parliament, addressing his father, he stated characteristically: “Father, you raised us all to become strong people in our family. And here we are, fulfilling our duty until you return. The homeland is in safe hands, father”.
Further reactions were caused by the fact that Delcy Rodríguez carried out a military ceremony immediately after her swearing in, while this took place simultaneously with Maduro’s judicial proceedings in the United States.
The synchronization of the two events was interpreted by many as a political message of internal cohesion and military readiness.
During the ceremony, Nicolás Maduro Guerra appeared visibly moved, openly and with intense emotional tone offering his support to Delcy Rodríguez.
As he stated: “They may have abducted Nicolás and Cilia, but they could not abduct the conscience of a people determined to be free.
To you, Delcy, I offer my unconditional support in the difficult task we have ahead of us”.
The images from the swearing in, the family ties at the center of power, and the role of the military compose a scene of high political tension, at a time when Venezuela stands at one of the most critical crossroads of its modern history, under the heavy shadow of American intervention and the uncertain international legitimization of developments.
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