Venezuela has entered a period of unprecedented political transition following the capture of its president by foreign military forces. The country's highest court has moved swiftly to ensure governmental continuity.
Court Orders Leadership Change
The Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela, known as the TSJ, has issued a landmark order. The court's Constitutional Chamber has directed Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the duties of acting president. This decision comes as a direct response to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces.
The ruling was read publicly by the president of the Constitutional Chamber, Caryslia Beatriz Rodríguez, during a broadcast on the state television network VTV. The court cited an "exceptional situation" created by what it termed the kidnapping of President Maduro. This event, the court stated, created a material and temporary impossibility for him to lead the nation.
Justification and International Reaction
The judicial body concluded that extraordinary circumstances and force majeure now exist in Venezuela. While such conditions are not explicitly detailed in the national constitution, the court argued they were severe enough to threaten state stability, national security, and governmental continuity. To counter this, the chamber adopted what it described as an "urgent and preventive protective measure" to safeguard the state's functioning.
The international community is beginning to react to this dramatic shift. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry released a formal statement shortly after the Venezuelan court's announcement. Brazil declared its recognition of Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the interim leader of Venezuela, citing the absence of President Maduro, who is currently held in the United States.
The Operation That Sparked the Crisis
The chain of events began with a surprise military operation by United States special forces in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. The raid occurred in the pre-dawn hours, targeting the high-security Ft Tiuna military compound where the presidential residence is located. Reports indicate that President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured while sleeping inside their home.
This military action was part of a larger strike launched by the United States against Venezuela on January 3, 2026. The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the operation as a decisive move to apprehend Maduro and bring him to American soil. The capture has plunged Venezuela into a constitutional and political crisis, with the court's appointment of an interim president marking the first major step in the nation's response.
