Venezuela in Turmoil as US Meets with Oil Companies and Maduro's Abduction Sparks Regional Uncertainty

The situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, with President Nicolás Maduro's abduction leading to a power vacuum and regional uncertainty. According to reports, the Trump administration has set meetings with the three biggest US oil companies to discuss the country's oil industry. This move comes as Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as Venezuela's new president, with the US signaling that she could face dire consequences if she doesn't align with US priorities. The meetings between the Trump administration and US oil companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, are seen as a significant development in the US's efforts to exert influence over Venezuela's oil industry. However, it's worth noting that these companies have not had any meetings with the government so far, contradicting Trump's comments on the matter. As Venezuela navigates this period of uncertainty, its close ally Cuba is bracing for a post-Maduro era. The BBC's Will Grant writes that the prospects for Cuba are now bleak, as the country has long been reliant on Venezuela for economic support. Cuba's defiance in the face of this uncertainty is a testament to the country's resilience, but it remains to be seen how it will fare in a post-Maduro world. In other news, the world of literature has lost a notable figure with the passing of Michael Schumacher, a Wisconsin author who wrote biographies of Francis Ford Coppola and Eric Clapton, among other works. Schumacher's daughter, Emily Joy Schumacher, confirmed that her father died on December 29, but did not provide a cause of death. On the sports front, Nigeria has secured a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a 4-0 win against Mozambique. Victor Osimhen's double helped seal the victory, with Nigeria set to face either Algeria or DR Congo in the next round. As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, it's clear that the country's future is uncertain. With the US exerting influence over the oil industry and Cuba bracing for a post-Maduro era, the region is on high alert. One thing is certain, however: the coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the course of Venezuela's history. Sources: - Trump administration sets meetings with oil companies on Venezuela: Report - Michael Schumacher, author of Francis Ford Coppola and Eric Clapton biographies, dies aged 75 - Osimhen double for Nigeria downs Mozambique to seal AFCON quarterfinal spot - Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as Venezuela’s president after Maduro abduction - Cuba defiant as it braces for post-Maduro era