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3d ago

U.S. Captures Maduro as Focus Shifts to Machado and González for Potential Transition

Machado calls for Edmundo González to assume his mandate following the U.S. capture announcement.

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OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition figure and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, attends a press conference on December 11, 2025 in Oslo, Norway. Machado, who had been banned from leaving Venezuela, missed the award ceremony yesterday before arriving in Olso late last night. (Photo by Rune Hellestad/Getty Images)
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado addresses supporters at a protest against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, in January 2025, a day ahead of Maduro's inauguration ceremony, where he was sworn in for a third term.

Overview

  • President Donald Trump announced a large-scale operation that seized Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores and flew them out of Venezuela, with U.S. officials calling the mission successful.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife will face criminal charges in U.S. courts, citing indictments that include narco-terrorism and related offenses.
  • María Corina Machado broke her silence, declaring “the time for freedom” and urging recognition of Edmundo González as the legitimate president and commander-in-chief.
  • Analysts such as Jorge Jraissati say Machado and González are the most plausible leaders of a transitional government, noting broad public support and prior U.S. recognition of González after the disputed 2024 vote.
  • Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores as explosions were reported in Caracas and questions persisted over control of security forces.