Title: The Resilience of Diosdado Cabello in Venezuela’s Power Struggle The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces has undoubtedly shaken the political landscape of South America, but it hasn’t led to a democratic opening as many had hoped for. One reason behind this is the continued presence and influence of Diosdado Cabello, Maduro’s most hardline enforcer, who remains in power under interim President Delcy Rodríguez. Cabello, Venezuela’s Interior Minister, has been indicted in the United States on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges alongside Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and other associates. The U.S. authorities have accused Cabello of being a senior figure in what they refer to as the Cartel de los Soles or “Cartel of the Sun,” a network of Venezuelan officials allegedly involved in cocaine shipments to the United States. Despite these charges, Cabello has denied all accusations and continues to hold significant power within Venezuela’s government. The resilience of Diosdado Cabello can be attributed to his long-standing loyalty to Maduro and his ability to maintain control over key institutions such as the military and security forces. His influence is further strengthened by his close ties with Russia, which has been a crucial ally for Venezuela in recent years. This support from Moscow provides him with an additional layer of protection against potential U.S. intervention or sanctions. The implications of Cabello’s continued presence in power are significant as it hinders any hopes of democratic reforms taking place in the country. His hardline stance and connections to drug trafficking networks make him a formidable opponent for those seeking change within Venezuela. Moreover, his influence over key institutions means that he can continue to suppress dissenting voices and maintain control over the government’s actions. From an international perspective, Cabello’s resilience highlights the challenges faced by countries like the United States in their efforts to promote democracy and human rights abroad. It also serves as a reminder of how deeply entrenched corruption can be within certain governments, making it difficult for external forces to effect meaningful change without local support or cooperation. In conclusion, while the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces may have raised hopes for democratic reforms in Venezuela, the continued presence and influence of Diosdado Cabello pose a significant obstacle to these aspirations. His resilience underscores the complexities involved in promoting democracy and human rights on an international scale while also highlighting the importance of addressing corruption at its root cause if any meaningful change is to be achieved.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2026/01/18/nx-s1-5678974/venezuela-maduro-enforcer-cabello)
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