Leaked video claims Venezuela’s ministers were given 15 minutes to accept US terms or face execution

What happened: A leaked video shows Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez alleging that ministers were given 15 minutes to comply with US demands after Nicolás Maduro’s capture.

• Why it matters now: The footage surfaces amid heightened US–Venezuela tensions following Maduro’s arrest earlier in January.

• What changes for people: The claims could trigger fresh political instability, possible protests and diplomatic retaliation.

• Who is affected: Venezuelan officials, the interim leadership, regional security partners and the civilian population.

A newly leaked video featuring Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has intensified political turmoil in Caracas. In the clip, Rodríguez alleges that US military personnel issued a 15-minute ultimatum to senior Venezuelan ministers after Nicolás Maduro and his wife were detained on January 3.

Ministers allegedly faced immediate threat

According to Rodríguez, US forces made it clear that failure to accept certain conditions within minutes could have resulted in soldiers opening fire on the detained officials. The Guardian has reported the existence of the video, although independent verification remains ongoing.

Background to the escalating crisis

The US military transported Maduro and his spouse out of the country earlier this month, a move that has dramatically altered Venezuela’s political landscape. The interim administration has accused Washington of coercive tactics and “illegitimate pressure”.

Analysts say the allegations, if proven accurate, could deepen mistrust and complicate negotiations between Washington and Caracas at a time when Venezuela faces severe economic strain, energy shortages and renewed international scrutiny.

Regional response expected

Diplomatic observers expect responses from Latin American neighbours, many of whom rely on Venezuela for energy trade or migration management.