Venezuela sets up panel to seek Maduro’s release after US capture

Venezuela’s acting leader, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced the formation of a special commission to work towards the release of former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following his removal from power in Caracas by US forces.

Rodríguez named the President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, and Foreign Minister Yván Gil as co-chairs of the panel. The Minister of Information, Freddy Ñáñez, is also a member.

Maduro, whom US authorities accuse of drug trafficking and terrorism, was arrested on Saturday and flown to New York.

He is being held there ahead of a court appearance scheduled for Monday.

In a message posted on Telegram, Rodríguez called for improved relations with Washington.

“We consider it a priority to move toward a balanced and respectful relationship between the US and Venezuela,” she said, adding that dialogue and cooperation were essential to shared development.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s military has formally recognised Rodríguez as acting president.

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López said the armed forces were acting in line with a Supreme Court decision that granted her a 90-day mandate to lead the country.

He urged citizens to return to normal life following the US operation that led to Maduro’s arrest.

“The homeland must follow its constitutional course,” Padrino said.

However, the defence minister criticised the operation, describing it as a “cowardly kidnapping”, and claimed that some of Maduro’s bodyguards, along with military personnel and civilians, were killed.

Authorities have not released official casualty figures.