Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro will appear in a New York City courtroom today after his capture by the US military in an attack that killed at least 32 Cubans. He is facing drug and weapons charges.

BREAKING: Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro To Be Tried In US 

North Korea defended its recent missile launch as a justified response to the "recent geopolitical crisis" triggered by the U.S. military strike and capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Pyongyang framed the test as a key strategic move amid escalating global tensions following Washington's intervention in Caracas. 


North Korea Missile Launch Justified: 'Reaction to Recent Geopolitical Crisis'

Venezuela faces a leadership crisis after the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defence Minister Padrino López are currently managing the state of emergency.

VP or Defence minister? Who will take over Venezuela after capture of Nicholas Maduro

Multiple explosions, accompanied by loud noises and reports of low-flying aircraft, were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, according to witnesses and media reports. Parts of southern Caracas were also reported to be without electricity following the incident. The cause of the explosions was not immediately known.

WION BREAKING: Caracas Rocked by Blasts Amid US Drug-Smuggling Crackdown | US-Venezuela

Venezuela’s government on Saturday accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states after at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported over the capital, Caracas, around 2 am local time.
Following the strikes, President Nicolás Maduro declared a nationwide state of emergency, ordered national defence plans to be implemented and called for 'mass mobilisation'.

Venezuela Under Attack: Maduro Govt Calls for Mobilisation of Population 

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency, accusing the United States of a “very serious military aggression” after multiple explosions and aircraft-like sounds were reported across the capital Caracas. 

Venezuela Under Attack: Maduro Declares State of Emergency After US 'Attack'

Multiple blasts were heard in different parts of the city, with the first explosion occurring at around 1:50 am local time. Following the explosions, electricity was cut in several areas of the capital, leaving parts of the city in darkness.

Caracas in Darkness: Power Outages Reported in Venezuelan Capital

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated after multiple explosions rocked the capital, Caracas. Witnesses reported loud blasts and disruptions across parts of the city, raising concerns over security and stability. 

US-Venezuela Tensions: Multiple Explosions Rock Venezuela's Capital

Venezuela’s government says it rejects ‘military aggression’ by the US, after explosions rock Caracas. 

Venezuela Govt Says It Reserves Right to Exercise Legitimate Defence

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s video goes viral after he danced to a remix of his “No War, Yes Peace” speech during a public rally during a Student Day march at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas. During the rally, he urged the youth in Venezuela and the US to engage in dialogue and promote peace.&nbsp;In the widely circulated video, Maduro is seen swaying energetically, smiling and making moves while dancing. While addressing the American students directly, he said, “Listen to me, the people in the US, listen to me: dialogue yes, peace yes, respect yes, war no, no, war no, no crazy war, never war.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇺🇸🇻🇪 MADURO&#39;S BIZARRE BOOGIE: DICTATOR BUSTS LOVECRAFTIAN MOVES Maduro... He may be losing it. The man dropped a clip, kicking off with some awkward dancing in a flashy jacket and Christmas decor. He moves like a well-fed boa trying to climb a tree and failing, all while… <a href="https://t.co/GPEURBsHgO">https://t.co/GPEURBsHgO</a> <a href="https://t.co/QCPjkQ67Hs">pic.twitter.com/QCPjkQ67Hs</a>&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1992825811057934593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The act of President Nicolás Maduro unfolded after US–Venezuela relations worsened, with reports indicating that Washington is preparing a new phase of operations designed to further challenge Maduro’s hold on power.<h3>Netizens react to the video on social media</h3>After the video goes viral on social media, users on social media flooded with their mixed opinions in the comment section. "American aircrafts carrier placed in the atlantic near his country, this dude so afraid of trump lmao," an user said.&nbsp;Another said,"Honestly, the whole clip feels like state sponsored surrealism. Maduro dancing to a remix of himself is peak everything’s fine, don’t look at the economy energy."&nbsp;The next said,"He is exactly imitating Donald Trump telling him that he can dance better than him but both dances are fake!"&nbsp;"I prefer the video of him sneaking food out of his desk drawer to take a bite when he thought he wasn’t being filmed during his address to his hungry nation," the next also said.&nbsp;Another also said, "Is it just me or he was trying to dance like Trump? There's no dance, no song, nothing he can do to get out of this one."

The video of President Nicolás Maduro came after US–Venezuela relations worsened, with reports indicating that Washington is preparing a new phase of operations designed to further challenge Maduro’s hold on power.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s video goes viral after he danced to a remix of his “No War, Yes Peace” speech during a public rally during a Student Day march at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas. During the rally, he urged the youth in Venezuela and the US to engage in dialogue and promote peace. In the widely circulated video, Maduro is seen swaying energetically, smiling and making moves while dancing. While addressing the American students directly, he said, “Listen to me, the people in the US, listen to me: dialogue yes, peace yes, respect yes, war no, no, war no, no crazy war, never war.”

The video of President Nicolás Maduro came after US–Venezuela relations worsened, with reports indicating that Washington is preparing a new phase of operations designed to further challenge Maduro’s hold on power.

'No war, yes peace': Venezuelan President Maduro dances to remix of his own speech – WATCH

Venezuelan students marched in Caracas to advocate for peace and improved relations with the United States, calling for diplomacy over conflict. The demonstrations coincided with a viral moment of President Nicolás Maduro dancing to a remix of a “No War” speech, highlighting the country’s efforts to engage youth and promote anti-war messaging amid ongoing political tensions.


Venezuelan Students March in Caracas to Promote Peace With US |Maduro Dances to No War Speech Remix

Venezuela is reportedly preparing for a potential U.S. air or ground invasion amid rising tensions between Caracas and Washington. Venezuelan forces are on high alert, and the government has announced strategic defensive measures.


US-Venezuela: Caracas Preparing for Possible US Air or Ground Invasion

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro alleges that a false flag terror plot targeting the closed U.S. Embassy in Caracas was foiled by local security forces. He claims the plan aimed to trigger direct conflict with the United States and frame his government. This comes as President Trump reportedly ends all diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, while U.S. military activity intensifies near the region. Is a new flashpoint emerging?

Venezuela's Shocking Claim: 'False Flag Bombing Foiled'

A family run zoo near Caracas dedicated to the Venezuelan flora and fauna has welcomed a new family member. The zoo is celebrating the recent birth of a female spider monkey that brings hope for preserving a critically endangered species.

WION Climate Tracker: Venezuelan zoo welcomes new family member

Thousands&nbsp;of pro-government&nbsp;demonstrators marched through Caracas Saturday in&nbsp;support&nbsp;of President Nicolas Maduro, with a smaller opposition rally gathering in parallel.

To the sound of drums and salsa,&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of Chavistas -- named after Hugo Chavez, a figure of the Latin American radical left and late predecessor of Maduro -- marched some 14 kilometers (nine miles) through the streets of the capital.

"Chavez sets the tone, Maduro is behind the wheel," read one banner.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;government&nbsp;had mobilized its party and chartered buses to bring in supporters of all ages from all over the country for the rally held on World Youth Day.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-million-bolivars-become-one-as-venezuela-recalibrates-battered-currency-417320">&nbsp;A million bolivars become one as Venezuela recalibrates battered currency</a>

"The courageous youth are following their dreams and continuing to fight for their homeland," 26-year-old Maria Amatima told AFP.&nbsp;

Maduro, met with cheers, ended the demonstration saying, "I ask you (the youth) to help me... against corruption and bureaucracy... I come to ask you for help."&nbsp;

Maduro's re-election in 2018 in a vote boycotted by the opposition is not recognized by part of the international community and in particular the United States, which backs the opposition.

Some 500 opposition supporters, joined by leader Juan Guaido, also gathered in Caracas in a parallel rally.

Watch |&nbsp;Venezuela: Visitors steadily return to Caracas's city centre

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-visitors-steadily-return-to-caracass-city-centre-451308/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Guaido called for "unity" in the wake of the defeat of a divided opposition in regional elections in November.&nbsp;

"We pledge today to fight... we must strengthen unity," he said, promising to revive the street protests that rocked the&nbsp;government&nbsp;in 2019 but eventually died out.&nbsp;

"We are going to return... to the place where freedoms are exercised: the street."&nbsp;

Thousands of pro-government demonstrators marched through Caracas Saturday in support of President Nicolas Maduro, with a smaller opposition rally gathering in parallel.

Thousands of pro-government demonstrators marched through Caracas Saturday in support of President Nicolas Maduro, with a smaller opposition rally gathering in parallel. To the sound of drums and salsa, thousands of Chavistas -- named after Hugo Chavez, a figure of the Latin American radical left and late predecessor of Maduro -- marched some 14 kilometers (nine miles) through the streets of the capital. "Chavez sets the tone, Maduro is behind the wheel," read one banner. The government had mobilized its party and chartered buses to bring in supporters of all ages from all over the country for the rally held on World Youth Day. Also read | A million bolivars become one as Venezuela recalibrates battered currency "The courageous youth are following their dreams and continuing to fight for their homeland," 26-year-old Maria Amatima told AFP. Maduro, met with cheers, ended the demonstration saying, "I ask you (the youth) to help me... against corruption and bureaucracy... I come to ask you for help." Maduro's re-election in 2018 in a vote boycotted by the opposition is not recognized by part of the international community and in particular the United States, which backs the opposition. Some 500 opposition supporters, joined by leader Juan Guaido, also gathered in Caracas in a parallel rally. Watch | Venezuela: Visitors steadily return to Caracas's city centre Guaido called for "unity" in the wake of the defeat of a divided opposition in regional elections in November. "We pledge today to fight... we must strengthen unity," he said, promising to revive the street protests that rocked the government in 2019 but eventually died out. "We are going to return... to the place where freedoms are exercised: the street."

Thousands march in support of Venezuela government

Visitors are steadily returning to the Caracas's city center in Venezuela which authorities and charities have worked to revitalize for several years.

Venezuela: Visitors steadily return to Caracas's city centre

Venezuelan authorities closed roads in northwest&nbsp;Caracas&nbsp;on Thursday due to intense firefights between security forces and organized crime gangs that analysts say are trying to expand the territory under their control in the capital.

Heavily armed criminal groups have moved in the past month to residential and commercial areas from slums in the city's hills, and violence has exploded over the past 24 hours with gun battles breaking out in at least five populous neighbourhoods.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-offers-500000-rewards-for-gang-leaders-396857">Venezuela offers $500,000 rewards for gang leaders</a>

"State security agencies continue to be deployed in the areas affected by these criminals," Interior Minister Carmen Melendez wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
1/5 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Jul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Jul</a> Los Cuerpos de Seguridad del Estado permanecerán en combate el tiempo que sea necesario para liberar la totalidad de los territorios secuestrados por las bandas delincuenciales. Tenemos la moral, los profesionales, armas y fuerza constitucional para lograr este objetivo <a href="https://t.co/IvStQzZGYP">pic.twitter.com/IvStQzZGYP</a>
— Carmen Meléndez (@gestionperfecta) <a href="https://twitter.com/gestionperfecta/status/1413483043063435270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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She said some highways in the areas were closed as part of the operation and urged members of the public to stay at home.

President Nicolas Maduro's government has not mentioned any casualties as a result of the clashes. Human rights activists in the area have said at least four civilians were killed on Wednesday and half a dozen have been wounded.

The information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Since January, gangs from the Cota 905 barrio have been trying to expand their territory into nearby areas including La Vega.

"We haven't been running the kitchens at full capacity since January because of the shootouts nearly every day," said Amelia Flores, 58, who runs two soup kitchens, primarily for children, in the area. "I don't what happened, but in the past 24 hours the situation has exploded and the kids are traumatized."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-state-tv-airs-confession-video-of-alleged-american-mercenary-297133/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The gangs want to control one of the main corridors linking the capital with the west of the country, said a human rights activist based in one of the affected neighbourhoods.

"It's been the same conflict for months," said the activist, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals.

Analysts say gangs in Cota 905 have been able to operate with ease as it has been a no-go zone for security forces due to a pact with the government to lower violence. Experts say the gangs took the opportunity to acquire military-grade firepower such as grenade launchers, assault weapons, and drones.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-activists-charged-with-terrorism-rights-group-395646">Venezuela activists charged with terrorism: Rights group</a>

"They used the space that the government gave them in the Cota to re-arm, gain strength, and plan an attack," said Alexander Campos, a researcher at the Central University of Venezuela who studies violence and politics in society.

"They are expanding from controling the barrios in the hills into lower parts of the city," he said. "It's difficult for them, but they're winning."

Ines Candida, 56, lives in the middle-class neighbourhood El Paraiso, just across a highway from the Cota 905 barrio. She said gangs had been in shootouts with the police every day for the past month, but she had not seen or heard anything like the past 24 hours.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/statue-of-nazarene-tours-caracas-poor-districts-374821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are prisoners in our own homes," she said by telephone, as unrelenting gunshots rang out in the background.

Reached by phone at a church in the nearby El Cementerio neighbourhood where he and others were taking shelter, Catholic priest Wilfredo Corniel, 45, said over more gunfire: "It feels like we are in a war zone."

Venezuelan authorities closed roads in northwest Caracas on Thursday due to intense firefights between security forces and organized crime gangs that analysts say are trying to expand the territory under their control in the capital.

Venezuelan authorities closed roads in northwest Caracas on Thursday due to intense firefights between security forces and organized crime gangs that analysts say are trying to expand the territory under their control in the capital. Heavily armed criminal groups have moved in the past month to residential and commercial areas from slums in the city's hills, and violence has exploded over the past 24 hours with gun battles breaking out in at least five populous neighbourhoods. Also read | Venezuela offers $500,000 rewards for gang leaders "State security agencies continue to be deployed in the areas affected by these criminals," Interior Minister Carmen Melendez wrote on Twitter. 1/5 #9Jul Los Cuerpos de Seguridad del Estado permanecerán en combate el tiempo que sea necesario para liberar la totalidad de los territorios secuestrados por las bandas delincuenciales. Tenemos la moral, los profesionales, armas y fuerza constitucional para lograr este objetivo pic.twitter.com/IvStQzZGYP — Carmen Meléndez (@gestionperfecta) July 9, 2021 × She said some highways in the areas were closed as part of the operation and urged members of the public to stay at home. President Nicolas Maduro's government has not mentioned any casualties as a result of the clashes. Human rights activists in the area have said at least four civilians were killed on Wednesday and half a dozen have been wounded. The information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Since January, gangs from the Cota 905 barrio have been trying to expand their territory into nearby areas including La Vega. "We haven't been running the kitchens at full capacity since January because of the shootouts nearly every day," said Amelia Flores, 58, who runs two soup kitchens, primarily for children, in the area. "I don't what happened, but in the past 24 hours the situation has exploded and the kids are traumatized." The gangs want to control one of the main corridors linking the capital with the west of the country, said a human rights activist based in one of the affected neighbourhoods. "It's been the same conflict for months," said the activist, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals. Analysts say gangs in Cota 905 have been able to operate with ease as it has been a no-go zone for security forces due to a pact with the government to lower violence. Experts say the gangs took the opportunity to acquire military-grade firepower such as grenade launchers, assault weapons, and drones. Also read | Venezuela activists charged with terrorism: Rights group "They used the space that the government gave them in the Cota to re-arm, gain strength, and plan an attack," said Alexander Campos, a researcher at the Central University of Venezuela who studies violence and politics in society. "They are expanding from controling the barrios in the hills into lower parts of the city," he said. "It's difficult for them, but they're winning." Ines Candida, 56, lives in the middle-class neighbourhood El Paraiso, just across a highway from the Cota 905 barrio. She said gangs had been in shootouts with the police every day for the past month, but she had not seen or heard anything like the past 24 hours. "We are prisoners in our own homes," she said by telephone, as unrelenting gunshots rang out in the background. Reached by phone at a church in the nearby El Cementerio neighbourhood where he and others were taking shelter, Catholic priest Wilfredo Corniel, 45, said over more gunfire: "It feels like we are in a war zone."

Gunfights between gangs and police close major roads in Caracas

A rare show of unity brought together a divided Venezuela, as people came together ahead of the beatification of a local doctor known for treating the poor during the Spanish flu pandemic a century ago. Jorge Gregorio Hernandez, born in the Andean state of Trujillo in 1864, was known as the "doctor of the poor" for his care of the needy in Caracas during the Spanish flu pandemic. He died in 1919 after being struck by a car.

Divided Venezuela comes together for beatification of doctor

For a second year in a row, the sculpture of a purple-robed Christ carrying the cross, popularly known as "The Nazarene of Saint Paul," on Wednesday left the basilica where it resides for a tour by car through all the poorer neighborhoods of the Venezuelan capital.

Statue of Nazarene tours Caracas' poor districts

In Venezuela's sprawling impoverished Petare neighborhood on the east end of Caracas, dozens of children and residents flew kites to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of what was once a small village outside the capital.

Venezuela's largest impoverished district marks 400th anniversary with kite festival

Santa Claus walked the streets of Guarenas on the outskirts of Venezuela's capital Caracas this weekend, giving children gifts ranging from bread to donated clothes and toys at a time when the country is struggling with the coronavirus pandemic and an economic collapse.

Santa gives food to poor hit by pandemic and recession in Venezuela

Venezuelan forensic experts on Monday (October 26) exhumed the remains of Jose Gregorio Hernandez, whose beatification decree was signed in June by Pope Francis, as part of Roman Catholic protocols to verify the condition of the body and guarantee its preservation.

Venezuela exhumes remains of doctor beatified by Vatican

Venezuelan professionals from biologists to lawyers have turned to making food and face masks or selling cleaning products as the coronavirus quarantine further weakens an economy already struggling under a six-year recession.

Venezuelan professionals turn to cooking and toy making to survive quarantine

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela.

A resolution tabled by more than a dozen countries from Latin America and elsewhere was adopted by the 47-member council with 19 votes in favour, seven opposed and 21 abstaining.

It called for the U.N.'s top rights body to "dispatch urgently an independent international fact-finding mission" to Venezuela.

The mission, the text said, should "investigate extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment".

"Venezuelans, men and women, cannot wait any longer" for justice, said the representative of Peru, on behalf of the sponsoring nations, who also included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Israel.

The one-year mission should carry out its investigation "with a view to ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims," said the text, which also received the backing of the European Union.

Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero slammed the resolution as a "hostile initiative", and said his country had no intention of cooperating with the new probe.

"The imposition of an additional monitoring mechanism will never receive the consent of my country," he told the council.

Even when they are not granted access to a country, U.N. investigators can nonetheless carry out probes from abroad, as has been the case with investigations into abuses in Syria and Myanmar.

'Systematic abuse'&nbsp;

The investigative team will be expected to present a report to the council in a year.

Venezuela is caught in an economic crisis and a political standoff between President Nicolas Maduro's government and National Assembly leader Juan Guaido.

The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Friday's resolution deplored "the systematic abuse of state institutions accelerating the erosion of the rule of law and of democratic institutions" in Venezuela.

It also urged Caracas to release all "political prisoners" and voiced "grave concern" over UN rights office findings in July suggesting that many of the more than 6,000 killings in alleged confrontations with state forces since early 2018 may, in fact, have been "executions".

"It must be clear to all at this Council that when violations of this gravity and scale are reported to us, we must respond in an equally serious manner," British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country backed the resolution, told the council.

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela.

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela. A resolution tabled by more than a dozen countries from Latin America and elsewhere was adopted by the 47-member council with 19 votes in favour, seven opposed and 21 abstaining. It called for the U.N.'s top rights body to "dispatch urgently an independent international fact-finding mission" to Venezuela. The mission, the text said, should "investigate extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment". "Venezuelans, men and women, cannot wait any longer" for justice, said the representative of Peru, on behalf of the sponsoring nations, who also included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Israel. The one-year mission should carry out its investigation "with a view to ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims," said the text, which also received the backing of the European Union. Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero slammed the resolution as a "hostile initiative", and said his country had no intention of cooperating with the new probe. "The imposition of an additional monitoring mechanism will never receive the consent of my country," he told the council. Even when they are not granted access to a country, U.N. investigators can nonetheless carry out probes from abroad, as has been the case with investigations into abuses in Syria and Myanmar. 'Systematic abuse' The investigative team will be expected to present a report to the council in a year. Venezuela is caught in an economic crisis and a political standoff between President Nicolas Maduro's government and National Assembly leader Juan Guaido. The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016. Friday's resolution deplored "the systematic abuse of state institutions accelerating the erosion of the rule of law and of democratic institutions" in Venezuela. It also urged Caracas to release all "political prisoners" and voiced "grave concern" over UN rights office findings in July suggesting that many of the more than 6,000 killings in alleged confrontations with state forces since early 2018 may, in fact, have been "executions". "It must be clear to all at this Council that when violations of this gravity and scale are reported to us, we must respond in an equally serious manner," British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country backed the resolution, told the council.

United Nations launches probe into Venezuela rights abuses

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