Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Vows Swift Return Following Maduro's Capture

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has declared her intention to return to Venezuela as soon as possible, following the dramatic capture of Nicolas Maduro by US forces. The 58-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who escaped Venezuela in disguise in October, praised Trump's intervention while expressing confidence in her movement's electoral prospects.

Opposition Leader's Bold Return Plans

Speaking on Fox News' "Hannity" programme, Machado outlined her movement's readiness for democratic transition. "We believe that this transition should move forward," she stated, adding that "in free and fair elections, we will win over 90% of the votes." The opposition leader dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, calling January 3 "the day justice defeated a tyranny."

Current Political Landscape

Despite Maduro's removal, Socialist Party loyalists maintain control of Venezuela under interim President Delcy Rodriguez. Trump appears to be working with Rodriguez and other senior officials from Maduro's government, a development that has disappointed the opposition and contributed to nervousness within Venezuela. Machado criticized Rodriguez as "one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, narco-trafficking," highlighting her liaison role with Russia, China, and Iran.

The transition faces significant challenges, with Machado under investigation for inciting insurrection in the military. Venezuelan authorities have ordered the arrest of anyone who collaborated with Maduro's seizure, while nearly 900 political prisoners remain behind bars according to local rights groups.

Oil Industry and Economic Implications

Venezuela's energy sector has become a focal point of post-Maduro discussions. Venezuelan and US officials are actively discussing the export of Venezuelan crude to US refiners, according to government, industry, and shipping sources. The country possesses approximately 303 billion barrels in reserves of mostly hard-to-extract heavy oil, though production has declined significantly due to mismanagement and sanctions.

US oil CEOs are expected to visit the White House as early as January 8 to discuss investments in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Venezuela's main oil ports have entered their fifth day without delivering crude for state-run PDVSA's main buyers in Asia due to the US embargo.

International Response and Legal Proceedings

Maduro pleaded not guilty to narcotics charges in a Manhattan court on January 5, appearing shackled and wearing prison garb. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek Saab has called for Maduro's unconditional release, citing lack of US jurisdiction and presidential immunity.

The intervention has drawn international criticism, with Russia, China, and Venezuela's leftist allies condemning Trump's actions. The UN human rights office expressed concern, stating "it sends a signal that the powerful can do whatever they like." US allies have urged adherence to international law regarding what represents the biggest US intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion.

Security Situation and Media Restrictions

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has been patrolling streets with security forces, chanting "Always loyal, never traitors. Doubt is betrayal!" Fourteen media workers were briefly detained while covering events in Caracas on January 5, and shots were fired into the sky above the city on Monday night to deter unauthorized drones.

Vice Minister of Communications Simon Arrechider maintained that "there was no confrontation, the entire country remains completely calm," despite the ongoing tensions. Machado's Vente Venezuela movement has demanded the immediate release of political prisoners as a first step toward restoring democracy.