US Role in Venezuela Remains Unclear Amid Allegations of Foreign Influence

Venezuela’s Prosecutor General Calls for Immediate Release of Maduro and Wife Amid US Military Operation

The prosecutor general of Venezuela, Tarek William Saab, has condemned the recent military operation by US forces as an “illegal act of armed aggression of a terrorist nature.” The operation, which took place on Saturday, resulted in dozens of deaths and has been widely criticized as a violation of international law.

Saab’s comments come after Venezuelan interim leader Delcy Rodriguez declared that “no foreign agent” is running Venezuela. Rodriguez, who was Maduro’s vice president before his abduction, stated this during a televised event on Tuesday.

US officials have offered little clarity on their plans for Venezuela following the military operation. US President Donald Trump has said that the US will “run” Venezuela, but later clarified that US officials would guide the country’s direction and use sanctions to force access to Venezuela’s oil industry.

Congress members were briefed by top US officials on Monday about the operation, but several lawmakers expressed concerns that the administration had not provided sufficient justification for conducting the strike without seeking approval from Congress. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that the briefing “posed far more questions than it ever answered.”

In response to the operation, Venezuela released a list of 24 soldiers killed in the pre-dawn assault and declared a seven-day period of mourning to commemorate their deaths. Cuba also reported 32 military fatalities.

Crowds gathered in Caracas on Tuesday for a state-organized display of support for the government, with some marchers flashing “V” victory signs. However, residents are still staying indoors due to ongoing tensions, with many fearing the security forces and potential unrest.

The situation remains uncertain, with Venezuela’s future direction unclear.

Source: Al Jazeera