Delcy Rodríguez Sworn in as Venezuela's Interim President Following Maduro's Capture

Venezuela's Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Rodríguez took the oath of office during a ceremony in the National Assembly, stating she did so "in the name of all Venezuelans."

The court's ruling emphasized the need to "guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defense of the Nation."

Rodríguez expressed her commitment to the nation, saying, "I come with sorrow for the suffering inflicted upon the Venezuelan people following an illegitimate military aggression against our homeland."

The Venezuelan constitution mandates that in the event of the president's absence, the vice president assumes the role temporarily. However, the Supreme Court declared Maduro's absence as "temporary," leading to Rodríguez's appointment without a specified time limit.

In her address, Rodríguez condemned the U.S. operation, referring to Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as "the hostages in the United States."

The situation remains tense as Venezuela navigates this unexpected transition in leadership.