US Warns Venezuela’s Interior Minister Cabello: Cooperate or Face Sanctions

Web Editor

January 7, 2026

a man in a red shirt sitting in a chair with a microphone in front of him and a pepsi sign behind hi

Background on Diosdado Cabello and His Relevance

Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s Minister of Interior and Justice, has been a key figure in the country’s political landscape. As one of the few remaining loyalists to former president Nicolás Maduro, Cabello wields significant influence over Venezuela’s security forces, which have been accused of widespread human rights abuses. His control over these forces and his longstanding rivalry with Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president and current interim president, have positioned him as a central figure in the ongoing political turmoil.

US Concerns and CIA Assessment

The United States government has reportedly issued a warning to Cabello, stating that he could be at the top of their sanctions list if he does not assist Rodríguez in fulfilling her demands and maintaining order following Maduro’s ousting. This warning stems from a classified Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report presented to President Donald Trump, which concludes that high-ranking Maduro loyalists, including Rodríguez, are best positioned to maintain stability should Maduro lose power.

Key Points from the CIA Report

  • Stability Maintenance: The CIA report suggests that high-ranking Maduro supporters, like Rodríguez, are better equipped to maintain stability if Maduro is removed from power.
  • Cabello’s Risk: US officials are particularly concerned that Cabello, given his history of repression and rivalry with Rodríguez, might undermine efforts to establish a more stable political environment.

Impact on Venezuela’s Political Future

The US warning and the CIA assessment highlight the delicate balance of power within Venezuela’s political sphere. With Maduro’s grip on power weakening, the roles of key figures like Cabello and Rodríguez become increasingly significant. The US’s call for cooperation from Cabello underscores the international community’s desire to see a peaceful transition and respect for human rights in Venezuela.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who is Diosdado Cabello? Cabello is Venezuela’s Minister of Interior and Justice, one of the few remaining loyalists to former president Nicolás Maduro.
  • Why is Cabello relevant? He controls security forces accused of human rights abuses and has a longstanding rivalry with Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president and current interim president.
  • What is the US warning to Cabello? The US has warned Cabello that he could face sanctions if he does not assist Rodríguez in maintaining order following Maduro’s ousting.
  • What does the CIA report say? The classified CIA report suggests that high-ranking Maduro supporters, including Rodríguez, are best positioned to maintain stability should Maduro lose power.