Potential for Sabotage

U.S. officials expressed heightened concerns that Cabello—often viewed as the regime’s second-in-command—might undermine plans aimed at maintaining stability within Maduro’s inner circle while facilitating a transition that would grant unrestricted access to Venezuela’s oil resources. This development is critical to the broader discussion of election reform and government policy impacting democracy in America.

Trump’s Oil Negotiations

In a recent post, Donald Trump stated that Venezuela would be transferring $2 billion worth of crude oil to the U.S. This negotiation aims to divert supplies from China, assisting Venezuela in avoiding deeper production cuts while simultaneously addressing U.S. energy needs.

Threats from U.S. Officials

According to News sources, U.S. officials have signaled to Cabello, through intermediaries, that he could face a fate similar to Maduro’s if he refuses to comply.

Cabello’s Displays of Power

In response, Cabello has publicly showcased his control, posting videos on social media that depict armed personnel patrolling the streets of Caracas. He commands not only the police and counterintelligence but also the militias known as colectivos.

In one of the clips, Cabello claimed, “It’s calm, it’s tranquil,” asserting that normalcy was returning to the country as shops began to open without incident.

A Culture of Loyalty

Another video featured armed personnel rallying to the slogans “Always loyal, never traitors!” and “To doubt is to betray!”—hints of Cabello’s dissatisfaction with not being appointed leader and a warning against any concessions made to the U.S. that might undermine Chavismo.

Power Dynamics and Human Rights

Cabello has a longstanding rivalry with Delcy and Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the Venezuelan Congress. While many view Cabello as a key power player, analysts emphasize the lack of a clear leadership hierarchy, as power dynamics exist among various factions. Cabello’s history includes participation in Hugo Chávez’s failed coup attempt in 1992, reinforcing his status as a significant Chavista.

Cabello is widely recognized as responsible for the Maduro regime’s extensive human rights violations, including thousands of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the imprisonment of political opponents.

Crisis Measures and Media Crackdown

Following the U.S. attack, the colectivos under Cabello’s command have intensified their patrols, set up checkpoints, and conducted searches, all aimed at consolidating authority amid escalating tensions. The regime has declared a “state of external commotion,” effectively a state of emergency, mandating the arrest of anyone perceived to support U.S. actions.

Numerous journalists have been detained—most of whom were later released—demonstrating the regime’s crackdown on dissent and public opinion.

Decisive National Response

In a show of defiance, Delcy Rodríguez declared seven days of national mourning for those who lost their lives during the first large-scale U.S. military operation on South American soil.

Her rhetoric has shifted sharply against Washington, asserting that no external entity governs Venezuela, directly countering Trump’s assertion that the U.S. would take control after Maduro’s detainment.