THE VENEZUELAN OPPOSITION Leader Maria Corina Machado has hailed this morning’s US operation and said her organisation is ready “to seize power”. 

In a letter, released on her X account, Machado, who recently was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, called for her colleague Edmundo González Urrutia to be installed as President. 

Machado has accused Maduro of stealing Venezuela’s July 2024 election, from which she was banned – a claim backed by much of the international community.

The opposition claimed its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, won the election. He now lives in exile, understood to be in Spain.

The US President said Marco Rubio was in contact with the Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez, who is now the South American State’s leader. 

He said opposition leader Maria Machado does not have the “support or respect” of the country.   

This morning’s operation has prompted Machado to call for Urrutia to return and assume control of Venezuela.  

“The hour has arrived for Popular Sovereignty and National Sovereignty to reign in our country. Let us put order, free the political prisoners, build an exceptional country, and bring our children home

“We have fought for years, we have given it our all, and it has been worth it. What had to happen is happening,” she said. 

Venezolanos, llegó la hora de la libertad. pic.twitter.com/ehy20V1xm9

— María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) January 3, 2026

“This is the time for the citizens. Those whom we gave everything for democracy on July 28th. Those whom we elected Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate President of Venezuela, who must immediately assume his constitutional mandate and be recognised as Commander and Head of the National Armed Forces by all the officers and soldiers who serve in it.

Today we are prepared to fulfill our mandate and seize power. We will remain vigilant, active, and organized until the Democratic Transition is realized. A transition that requires us All,” she added. 

Machado called on Venezuelans abroad and at home to support their move for power.

“To Venezuelans within our country, we are ready to put into action what we will communicate to you very soon through our official channels.

“To Venezuelans abroad, we need you mobilized, activating governments and citizens worldwide and committing you from now on to the great operation of building the new Venezuela

“In these decisive hours, receive all my strength, my confidence, and my love. We all remain alert and in contact,” she added. 

Machado ended the letter with “Venezuela will be free!” and signed it “We will go by the hand of God, until the end, María”.