Maduro's Son Warns of "Kidnapping" Precedent as U.S. Demands Venezuela's Oil

The son of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has made a startling public pledge to the country's opposition leader. Nicolás Maduro Guerra, a politician and the president's son, declared his loyalty to interim president Juan Guaidó. His statement came with a major warning. Maduro Guerra said that if his father is removed from power by force, it would set a dangerous global precedent. He called such an action the "kidnapping" of a head of state. The comments follow increased pressure from the United States. American officials are demanding "total access" to Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil deposits. The U.S. and dozens of other nations recognize Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate leader. They reject the 2018 re-election of President Maduro as fraudulent. The Maduro government retains control of the military and state institutions. The situation creates a stark confrontation. Washington is pushing for control over Venezuela's key economic resource. Meanwhile, Maduro's allies are framing the political battle as a matter of international law and sovereignty.