"We are neither dependent nor subjugated. No one will surrender. The battle to defend our homeland began when US forces attacked on 3/1", Interim President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez declared on 8/1. She made the statement during a memorial service in Caracas for 100 individuals who died in a US special forces raid on the same date.

According to the interim president, the Venezuelan people "never anticipated becoming victims" of such an assault. "I want to send a message to the United States: the people of Venezuela do not deserve to endure such an aggressive attack from a nuclear power", she stated.

The interim president also expressed loyalty to President Nicolas Maduro, who is currently detained in New York awaiting trial on multiple charges, including drug trafficking. "We maintain our responsibility and loyalty to President Maduro, who has been kidnapped. We are also loyal to First Lady Cilia Flores and will work tirelessly until they are released and returned to their home and homeland", Rodriguez emphasized.

Interim President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez during her swearing-in ceremony on 5/1. *Photo: AFP*

On 8/1, thousands of President Maduro's supporters continued to march in the capital, Caracas, waving red flags and demanding his release.

Following the US arrest of President Maduro and his wife, President Donald Trump declared Washington would "run" the Caribbean nation during a transitional period. He added that the US intended to exploit Venezuela's oil reserves for many years. On 7/1, Trump also stated that the US would oversee Venezuela for an extended period, rebuilding the nation to be "extremely profitable".

President Trump further emphasized that the US was "in great harmony" with the Venezuelan administration led by Interim President Rodriguez. He noted that Caracas was providing everything Washington needed and expressed his intention to visit Venezuela in the future. Rodriguez was appointed interim president after Maduro's arrest. However, Venezuelan security forces and militias remain under the control of hardliners. While the interim president initially expressed a desire for "cooperation" with the US, she later issued more assertive statements.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Acento)