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Venezuela Experiences Unprecedented Change Following Maduro's Capture

KVIA•Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 9:27 PM•CNN Newsource

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In a dramatic shift for Venezuela, U.S. special forces captured President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2023, during a nighttime raid in Caracas. This event has sparked a wave of optimism in the country, which has been mired in economic collapse and political repression for years. Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice president, has taken over as acting president and is fostering new economic ties with the U.S., including a recent visit from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. This marks a significant change in Venezuela's geopolitical stance, as Rodríguez seeks to build relationships with American and European companies. Despite ongoing protests for political prisoners, the mood in Caracas is shifting, reflecting a potential easing of the government's oppressive grip.

Key Details: • Maduro was captured on January 3, 2023, and taken to New York for narcotics charges. • Delcy Rodríguez has been acting president for 39 days and has initiated new economic policies. • U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Venezuela, the first high-ranking U.S. official since 1997. • Seven oil tankers have departed Venezuela for Texas and Louisiana since Rodríguez took office.

politics venezuela energy maduro delcy-rodriguez

People & Organizations

Nicolás MaduroCaracasChris WrightDelcy RodríguezPetroindependencia 1

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