The US administration warned the Venezuelan Minister of the Interior, Diosdado Cabellothat he could become a priority target if he did not help the interim president Delcy Rodriguez to meet Washington's demands and maintain order after the fall of Nicolas Maduro, according to several sources close to the case.
Cabello, a hardliner and de facto head of the security forces, is seen by US officials as a potentially destabilizing actor because of his repressive past and internal rivalries. Washington is reportedly seeking his short-term cooperation while exploring options to remove him from power or encourage him to leave the country, sources said on condition of anonymity.
Messages relayed through intermediaries reportedly informed Cabello that if he refused to cooperate, he risked measures similar to those that led to Maduro's arrest and subsequent transfer to the United States to face trial on drug trafficking charges. However, US officials fear that a sudden removal could trigger unrest, particularly from the colectivos, pro-government armed groups likely to take to the streets.
In one of his first decisions, Rodriguez appointed the general Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez at the head of the Presidential Honor Guard and military counter-espionage. Sanctioned by the United States and the European Union for human rights violations and corruption, this officer had been sidelined by Maduro before becoming close to Rodriguez within the state oil company. PDVSAHis appointment is interpreted by some analysts as an ambiguous signal, oscillating between compromise and internal rivalries.
The Minister of Defence, Vladimir GodfatherHe is also among Washington's potential targets. According to sources, his cooperation is considered essential to avoid a security vacuum, as US authorities view him as more pragmatic and likely to accept a managed transition.
At this stage, the US administration believes that the opposition, led by Maria Corina Machadowould not be able to guarantee immediate stability. Washington therefore favors a gradual approach, relying on certain pillars of the old regime in order to secure the country, revive access for American companies to the oil sector and avoid the deployment of ground troops.
US demands include opening the oil industry to favorable terms for American companies, a stronger fight against drug trafficking, an end to cooperation with Iran, and the expulsion of foreign security personnel. Officials indicate that progress is expected in the coming weeks, while Washington retains financial and legal leverage to increase pressure if necessary.
