Is Trump’s next target a Maduro loyalist? US puts Venezuelan security chief Diosdado Cabello on notice

Following the success of "Operation Absolute Resolve," which extracted Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, a dangerous power vacuum has emerged. Diosdado Cabello, a veteran of the 1992 coup attempt, remains the most influential figure within the military-civilian "Chavista" structure. Unlike more diplomatic officials, Cabello commands the loyalty of thousands of armed paramilitaries and the national police.