Venezuela After Maduro: Why Diosdado Cabello is the Power to Watch
Explore the rise of Diosdado Cabello as Venezuela's de facto leader following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro in January 2026. Analysis of military gaps and paramilitary power.
They've shaken hands in the past, but the fists are clenched now. Following the weekend abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces, a new central figure has emerged in Caracas. While Delcy Rodriguez has officially taken over as interim president, it's Diosdado Cabello, the Minister of Interior, who's truly steering the ship through the storm.
Diosdado Cabello and the Future of Venezuela's Leadership
According to Al Jazeera, Cabello appeared at a massive rally on January 6, 2026, wearing a blue cap that read 'To doubt is to betray.' As a veteran ally of both Hugo Chavez and Maduro, Cabello's deep roots in the military and intelligence sectors make him the most powerful man in the country today. He's not just a politician; he's the architect of the internal security apparatus that has kept the ruling party in power for decades.
His history is one of resilience. During the 2002 coup attempt against Chavez, Cabello briefly assumed the presidency and personally ordered the elite navy forces to rescue the captured leader. This loyalty earned him a permanent seat at the table of power, eventually leading to his current role overseeing the nation's vast paramilitary networks.
The Asymmetric Threat: 220,000 Paramilitary Fighters
The United States holds a staggering military advantage, with 1.33 million active soldiers and over 13,000 aircraft. In contrast, Venezuela has only 109,000 formal troops. However, the real challenge for any foreign intervention lies in the 220,000 paramilitary soldiers under Cabello's control.
These groups, including the motorcycle-riding 'colectivos,' have dominated urban neighborhoods for years. UN human rights missions have accused Cabello of using these forces to repress dissent through 'Operation Tun Tun.' Furthermore, the US Department of Justice continues to hold drug trafficking charges against him, alleging a decades-long role in the cocaine trade—claims Cabello dismisses as imperialist propaganda targeting Venezuela's oil.
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