Venezuela's Supreme Court of Justice on Saturday ordered Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to immediately assume the role of acting president after US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro and took him to New York. According to Ultimas Noticias, the court instructed Rodriguez to exercise presidential duties "in strict compliance with the Constitution and Venezuelan laws." Tania D'Amelio, head of the court's Constitutional Chamber, said the ruling was issued to ensure the "administrative continuity of the state and the defense of the nation." The court said Maduro is in a "material and temporary impossibility" to carry out his presidential duties. Earlier Saturday, Venezuela's government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in several states and declared a national emergency. US President Donald Trump later confirmed a "large-scale" strike, saying Maduro and his wife had been "captured and flown out of the country." The operation followed months of escalating US pressure on Maduro, whom Washington accuses of involvement in drug trafficking. The Venezuelan leader has denied the allegations and previously expressed readiness for talks. — Agencies
