US move on Venezuela: Sanctions lifted

Following the US abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from the country in a military operation, a notable move has come from Washington.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury announced that the sanctions imposed in September 2018 on Delcy Rodriguez, who became Venezuela's interim president after the Maduro administration, have been lifted.

The latest step regarding Rodriguez, who was added to the sanctions list because she played an active role in the Maduro administration at the time, was interpreted as a gesture from Washington to the new Venezuelan government.

US had abducted Maduro and his wife

The US had abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in a military operation conducted on January 3, 2026, and brought them to the US. Maduro was brought to trial on charges of drug and arms trafficking. Maduro's deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, was designated as the country's interim president. Following the development, a new era began in US-Venezuela relations, which had followed a tense course for a long time. US President Donald Trump stated in his remarks that Rodriguez was doing a good job and that they were getting along well.

News Source: 12punto