What's happened
US officials have warned Venezuelan politician Diosdado Cabello against using security forces to target opposition groups. Despite being indicted for drug trafficking and named in a US case, Cabello remains influential. The US continues discussions with him amid Venezuela's ongoing political instability, with concerns about potential violence and regime stability.
What's behind the headline?
The US warnings to Cabello highlight ongoing US efforts to influence Venezuela's internal politics without direct intervention. Cabello's influence over military and security forces makes him a potential spoiler, capable of destabilizing the fragile post-Maduro transition. The US's continued engagement suggests a strategy to keep him aligned with US interests, but his history of repression and rivalry with interim President Delcy Rodriguez pose risks. If Cabello unleashes his forces, it could lead to increased violence and undermine US-backed efforts for a democratic transition. The US's focus on controlling Cabello underscores the complex balance of power in Venezuela, where internal loyalties and external pressures collide, shaping the country's uncertain future.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that US officials warned Cabello against using security forces to target opposition, emphasizing the ongoing influence of Venezuela's security apparatus post-Maduro. The NY Post adds that US discussions with Cabello have been ongoing since the Trump administration, touching on sanctions and his indictment, with concerns about his potential to destabilize the regime. Reuters highlights the US's strategic communication with Cabello to prevent chaos and protect interim President Rodriguez's authority, noting Cabello's long-standing influence and his role as Maduro's enforcer. All sources agree that Cabello remains a pivotal yet unpredictable figure in Venezuela's political landscape, with US officials wary of his capacity to disrupt the fragile transition process.
How we got here
Since the US imposed sanctions and indicted Cabello for drug trafficking, he has maintained influence over Venezuela's military and security agencies. The US has engaged in covert communications with him since the Trump administration, aiming to control internal tensions and prevent chaos following the ouster of Maduro. Cabello's role as Maduro's loyalist and his control over pro-government militias make him a key figure in Venezuela's power dynamics.
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Diosdado Cabello Rondón is a Venezuelan politician and current member of the National Assembly of Venezuela, where he previously served as Speaker. He is also an active member of the Venezuelan armed forces, with the rank of captain.
He played a key role