Maduro Arrested in US Operation; Delcy Rodríguez Named Venezuela's Interim President

• Venezuela's Supreme Court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president after Nicolás Maduro's arrest in a US operation on January 3, 2026.
• Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were arrested by US special forces on narcoterrorism charges, with plans to bring them before a federal court in New York.
• The court's ruling mandates Delcy Rodríguez to ensure administrative continuity and national defense during Maduro's 'forced absence'.
• Delcy Rodríguez, a lawyer and politician, previously served as Vice President, Foreign Minister, and held other key ministerial roles under Chávez and Maduro.
• The US operation reportedly caused 40 deaths, including civilians, though US President Donald Trump denied US soldier casualties, confirming some injuries.

Why It Matters: Delcy Rodríguez is Venezuela's new interim president after Nicolás Maduro's US-led arrest.