Nicolas Maduro captured in US operation: Who will now lead Venezuela?

In the recent US’ large-scale military operation, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has been captured and flown out of the country, as announced by Donald Trump.

Given the anonymity of the situation, even the government is unaware of the whereabouts of Maduro and the First Lady Cilia Flores, as confirmed by Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

After Maduro’s arrest, the bigger question is who will be in charge in Venezuela, managing the country’s affairs and national emergency.

Three figures, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez; Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello; and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, are now top contenders that could assume the power.

According to constitutional succession rules, Article 233 allows the Vice President to take charge during a presidential vacancy.

But, it is also hard to ignore the influential role of the army in politics.

While the constitutional rule points to Delcy Rodríguez, the role of armed forces will be key in determining the power shift in Venezuela.

Both Cabello and Padrino wield significant influence within the military, as reported by the BBC.

Soon after the US’ massive strikes on the capital city and military installations, Vladimir Padrino ordered a “massive deployment” of military resources across the country.

Padrino also accused the US of launching a “criminal” and “deplorable” operation in the South American country.

Being a key ally of Maduro, Padrino Lopez is now responsible for overseeing the nation’s security under a state of emergency,

The role of opposition led by María Corina Machado will also be a key determinant in shifting sands of political power.

As the circumstances start to unfold in the US-Venezuela conflict, it remains to see who will hold the power and steer the country out of the crisis.