United States lifts sanctions against Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez

The United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced the removal of sanctions against Venezuela's interim President, Delcy Rodriguez. The sanctions previously involved the freezing of assets held in the United States and prohibited American citizens and entities from engaging in business with her. This development follows reports that former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured during a U.S. military operation in Caracas approximately three months ago and subsequently transported to the United States for trial. Since that time, Rodriguez has served as the interim head of state. U.S. President Donald Trump has recognized her as the de facto leader of the country. Additionally, the United States announced on Monday the reopening of its embassy in Venezuela, which had been closed for seven years. This move is officially characterized as a step toward normalizing diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas.