• Nicolas Maduro captured by U.S. forces; Delcy Rodriguez appointed interim president.
• Rodriguez condemns U.S. actions and pledges to uphold Maduro's presidency.
• Venezuelan military endorses Rodriguez, urging citizens to return to normalcy.
• Trump hints at cooperation with Rodriguez while threatening consequences for non-compliance.
• Calls for a renewed relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela amidst rising tensions.

In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by U.S. forces during a military operation, leading to the immediate appointment of Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as interim president as mandated by Venezuela's Supreme Court. This transition aims to ensure administrative continuity following the constitutional provisions for a president's absence, as stated by the court's president, Tania D'Amelio, according to India Times and AA.

Rodriguez, who has held various significant roles in the Venezuelan government and is a key ally of Maduro, wasted no time in denouncing the U.S. military action as a "cowardly kidnapping" of sovereign leadership. During her inaugural address, she insisted that “the only president of Venezuela is Nicolas Maduro,” emphasizing her commitment to his legacy amid national turmoil, as reported by Al Jazeera and India Times.

Following Maduro’s capture, the Venezuelan military officially recognized Rodriguez as the acting leader, with Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez urging citizens to resume normal activities. He highlighted the military’s position and denounced the U.S. strikes while calling for unity among Venezuelans, according to statements covered by Le Monde and CBS News.

U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged communication with Rodriguez, suggesting that she might be willing to cooperate with Washington, although he simultaneously issued threats regarding repercussions if she failed to align with U.S. interests. Trump described Rodriguez as a cooperative figure compared to Maduro, as detailed by Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

Rodriguez’s long-standing involvement in the Venezuelan government has positioned her as a key player in the current dynamics, with her tenure including vital economic roles that influence the oil-dependent nation's management during crisis. Furthermore, the Supreme Court's decision to appoint her as interim president raises questions about potential future elections and governance stability, as noted by analysts citing the constitutional grounds for her assumption of power, referencing insights from India Times and Al Jazeera.