Maduro's Son Admits Regime's Mistakes and US Miscalculation

Nicolás Maduro Guerra, son of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, has admitted that the regime underestimated US capabilities during the January attack on Caracas, after which his father and his wife were taken to New York.

US authorities accuse Maduro of drug trafficking and terrorism, a charge his son dismisses as politically motivated. "We should have done more to protect my father. We failed in that," Maduro Guerra told Der Spiegel.

He described the night of 3 January, when US helicopters and planes attacked Caracas and elite troops occupied the Fuerte Tiuna military complex, saying the country's leadership had not expected a direct assault on the capital and had underestimated US technological capabilities.

Maduro Guerra also spoke of regular phone calls with his father in prison, saying Maduro is trying to appear strong but is worried about his health. The president is said to be reading the Bible, Shakespeare and the works of Simón Bolívar.

He further admitted the regime's failings, including police excesses and unfair trials. "There have been harsh moments, mistakes and excessive interventions for which we must ask forgiveness," he said, adding that Venezuela must open up more to the world and stop isolating itself.

(spiegel, bak)