Khaberni - Reuters revealed today, Saturday, that officials in the administration of American President Donald Trump had been in contact with Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello months before the American operation that led to the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro, and that these communications are still ongoing.
Reuters mentioned that 4 sources told them the American officials had warned Cabello (62 years old) against using the security devices or supporters of the ruling party, who are under his supervision, to target the opposition. These devices still retain significant influence despite the American operation carried out on January 3rd.
Cabello's name appears on the same US indictment related to drug trafficking, which the Trump administration used to justify the operation to arrest Maduro, although he was not arrested during the operation.
Communications despite the sanctions
Two informed sources reported that the contact with Cabello, who is also under American sanctions, commenced in the early days of the current American administration, and continued over the weeks leading up to the overthrow of Maduro, while four sources confirmed that the Trump administration was still in contact with the minister since the overthrow of the Venezuelan president.
These previously undisclosed contacts are extremely important for the Trump administration's efforts to contain the situation inside Venezuela after the recent military operation.
An informed source stated that unleashing the forces under his control could lead to chaos that Washington seeks to avoid and could threaten the grip of interim President Delcy Rodríguez on power.
It has not yet been clarified whether the contacts discussed the future of governance in Venezuela, nor is it known whether Cabello has responded to the American warnings, although he has publicly pledged to work with Rodríguez, whose performance has been praised by Trump so far.
An informed source on the discussions stated that Cabello is directly in contact with the Trump administration, as well as through intermediaries. So far, no comments have been issued by the White House or the Venezuelan government regarding the contacts.
A pillar of the former regime
Diosdado Cabello is considered the second most powerful figure in Venezuela, and was a close advisor to the late President Hugo Chávez, before becoming one of Maduro's prominent supporters.
Cabello has significant influence within the security devices, including military and civilian intelligence, as well as his close relationships with militias loyal to the government, especially the "colectivos" groups.
American officials believe that Cabello is among a limited number of figures from the former regime who were relied upon to ensure stability during the temporary transition period, until Washington can access Venezuelan oil reserves.
However, an informed source indicated that Washington fears that Cabello's record in repression and his competition with Rodríguez could obstruct the transition phase, while observers believe that his dismissal would be an indication that a real shift in the regime has begun.
In this context, Elliot Abrams, the former US envoy for Venezuelan affairs, said that many Venezuelans expect Cabello's dismissal if the democratic transition is to proceed, adding: "If he leaves his position, Venezuelans will realize that the regime has actually started to change."
Reuters quoted sources in Venezuela as saying that Rodríguez is currently working to strengthen her influence by appointing loyalists in key positions, in an effort to shield her position from internal threats, parallel to meeting the United States' demands to increase oil production.
