The administration of US President Donald Trump is said to have sent a tough message to Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, warning him that he could become a top target if he does not cooperate with US demands and does not support President Delcy Rodriguez's right to maintain order during the transition period, a British newspaper reported.
Three sources familiar with the matter said Washington considers this a key step to control the security situation in Venezuela.
According to these sources, Mr. Cabello - who controls security forces and is accused of widespread human rights violations - is one of the few close associates of Mr. Maduro that President Trump temporarily accepts to rely on to maintain stability.
However, US officials are concerned that Mr. Cabello may undermine the transition process due to his history of repression and strained relations with Ms. Rodriguez, so they are looking for ways to force him to cooperate, and at the same time prepare a plan to remove him from power and send him to exile.
Accordingly, Washington has warned Mr. Cabello that, if he opposes, he may face a scenario similar to Mr. Maduro - who was arrested in a US raid and taken to New York for trial on charges of "drug terrorism" - or there is a risk of life-threatening. However, removing Mr. Cabello is considered quite risky, as it may incite armed groups to take to the streets to cause chaos.
Another potential target of the US is believed to be Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, who is also facing US drug trafficking charges.
US officials believe that Mr. Padrino's cooperation is decisive in order to avoid the power vacuum thanks to his role as military commander, and also believe that he is less ideologically tough than Mr. Cabello.
A US Department of Justice official emphasized that this is still a law enforcement campaign and has not ended. Meanwhile, a senior official of the Trump administration said that the goal is to put maximum pressure on Venezuela to cooperate with the US in blocking illegal migration, preventing drug flows, restoring oil infrastructure and acting for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.
Washington currently sees Ms. Delcy Rodriguez as a key factor to temporarily take power, while the US continues to build plans for the transition period after Mr. Maduro's era.
US demands include opening up the oil industry on conditions favorable to US businesses, cracking down on drugs, expelling Cuban security forces and ending cooperation with Iran.
