Background on Diosdado Cabello and His Relevance
Diosdado Cabello, a prominent figure in Venezuela’s chavismo movement and the country’s Minister of Interior and Justice, has been in communication with US government officials months before the attempted operation to detain President Nicolás Maduro, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Who is Diosdado Cabello?
Diosdado Cabello, 62, is a key ally and influential figure within Venezuela’s ruling party, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). He has held various high-ranking positions in the government, including serving as President of the National Assembly from 2016 to 2020. Cabello’s political connections and control over security forces have made him a central figure in Venezuela’s political landscape.
Why is Cabello Relevant?
Cabello’s relevance stems from his position of power within the Venezuelan government and his control over security forces. His connections to the ruling party and influence in shaping Venezuela’s political direction have made him a critical figure for both domestic and international actors seeking to navigate the country’s complex political situation.
Communication with US Officials
According to the sources, US government officials warned Cabello against using security services or partisan militants under his command to attack the opposition. This advice was given months before the failed US operation targeting President Maduro.
Timeline of Communications
- Early days of the Trump administration
- Continued after Maduro’s tenure
The communications between US officials and Cabello reportedly began during the early days of the Trump administration and persisted even after Maduro’s continued rule.
Content of Communications
The US officials reportedly advised Cabello against employing security forces or partisan militants to target the opposition. Despite this, Cabello’s security apparatus remains largely intact following the failed US operation on January 3.
Cabello’s Involvement in Narcotráfico Allegations
Cabello is mentioned in the same narcotráfico (drug trafficking) indictment used by the Trump administration to justify attempts to arrest Maduro and his wife. However, Cabello was not apprehended as part of the operation.
Denial from Venezuelan Government
Statement: “We categorically deny the malicious information published on social media about supposed secret conspiratorial conversations aiming to divide the high command of the country and undermine the revolutionary prestige and integrity of Diosdado Cabello.”
Following the publication of this report, the Venezuelan government issued a statement denying any secret communications with US officials. They accused the report of attempting to sow division within Venezuela’s political elite and tarnish Cabello’s reputation.
Additional Report: DEA Targeting Interim President Delcy Rodríguez
Another leaked report to the press revealed that interim President Delcy Rodríguez has been a target of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) since 2019.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Diosdado Cabello? A: Diosdado Cabello is a prominent Venezuelan politician and Minister of Interior and Justice, holding significant influence within the ruling PSUV party.
- Q: Why are US officials communicating with Cabello? A: The communication reportedly aimed to advise Cabello against using security forces or partisan militants to attack the opposition.
- Q: What is Cabello’s role in the narcotráfico allegations? A: Cabello is mentioned in the same drug trafficking indictment used by the Trump administration to justify attempts to arrest Maduro and his wife, though he was not apprehended.
- Q: How did the Venezuelan government respond to these reports? A: The Venezuelan government denied the claims, accusing the reports of attempting to create division within the country’s political elite.
- Q: What else was revealed in the leaked reports? A: Another leaked report indicated that interim President Delcy Rodríguez had been under investigation by the DEA since 2019.
