President Trump warns of a second military attack on Venezuela following the capture of Nicolas Maduro. The US now demands full cooperation from the interim government in Caracas.

President Trump warns of a second military attack on Venezuela following the capture of Nicolas Maduro. The US now demands full cooperation from the interim government in Caracas.

Venezuela President captured: Trump warns Venezuela to cooperate or risk new U.S. military attack

Elon Musk has shared a humorous post containing a meme that showed a fictional screenshot of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s confiscated iPhone, ‘revealing’ chats he had with various leaders, including US President Donald Trump, under whose orders he was extracted to the US to stand trial in alleged drug offences. The meme shows profile pics of Russia’s Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping, Canada’s ex-PM Justin Trudeau, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, and Trump. The idea seems to be to share the possible last messages Maduro may have received before the American military operation on January 3. The shock and absurdity of Maduro’s US capture is evident in the meme photo, which is imagined as a ‘screenshot’ of his phone’s last chat history.<h2>Maduro’s capture</h2>On January 3, US forces seized Maduro from his presidential residence in the Venezuelan capital Caracas in what was essentially a regime change operation. He was brought to New York, where he appeared before a court on Monday (Jan 6). Maduro pleaded not guilty, and claimed he was kidnapped.<h2>What is in the Maduro meme photo shared by Musk?</h2>The original meme was shared by Musk with a simple comment: ‘Banger’ and a laughing emoji. The meme has got 26 million views and thousands of replies.The satirical screenshot of Maduro’s iPhone Messages app shows texts from the leaders, with&nbsp;a “CONFIDENTIAL” watermark overlaid, adding to the faux-leaked vibe of the meme.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-i-was-kidnapped-venezuelan-president-nicol-s-maduro-pleads-not-guilty-in-us-court-1767561352618">‘I was kidnapped’: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in US court</a><h2>Decoding the meme: What each leader told Maduro before his capture</h2>Putin says, “We make deal, no tell Trump”, possibly referring to secretive alliances between Russia and Venezuela often involving oil, military support, or anti-US pacts. The “no tell Trump” suggests fear of US intervention by Trump, as well as Putin's poor English.Xi, who is identified in the screenshot as “Chino” or Chinese, says: “Trump berry FAFO”. This appears garbled or intentionally poorly translated to mock Xi’s broken English. “Berry” is probably meant as “very,” and “FAFO” could be an acronym for the internet slang “f*** around and Find Out”. This could be referring to defence secretary Pete Hegseth's remark that Maduro ‘effed around and found out’, while detailing the Caracas operation to media along with Trump on January 4. China has several large investments in Venezuela and has given loans to the country. There are also oil deals which Trump could jeopardise for China.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-venezuela-tensions-maduro-wife-to-stay-in-detention-centre-until-next-hearing-1767693977486/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-venezuela-tensions-maduro-wife-to-stay-in-detention-centre-until-next-hearing-1767693977486/embed</a>Trudeau is identified as “Gringo Canada”, and says “Come to Canada whenever ;)”. While Gringo is an ironic slang used mainly by Latin Americans to refer to North Americans, the winky face symbol and invitation allude to Canada’s reputation for offering asylum to left-leaning exiles like Cuban refugees. While Trudeau is no more in power, it is a mockery of his progressive policies and criticisms of Trump.Zelensky asks, “Can I borrow $500 million?”, which is poking fun at Ukraine’s heavy reliance on international aid amid its war with Russia, with billions in US funding under scrutiny by the Trump administration. Zelensky is known for his frequent requests for financial or defence aid, which he is seeking from Maduro, given Venezuela’s oil wealth.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-s-next-7-dictators-who-won-t-sleep-peacefully-after-nicholas-maduro-s-extraction-1767529921852">Who's next? 7 dictators and leaders who won't sleep peacefully after Nicholas Maduro’s extraction</a> Kim Jong-un, labelled “Otro Chino”, meaning “Another Chinese”, says: “you are homoseshuro”. This is possibly a deliberate misspelling of “you are homosexual,” as a childish or homophobic insult. “Otro Chino” lumps Kim in with Xi, alluding to North Korea’s alliance with China and shared authoritarianism with Venezuela.Donald Trump’s message is interestingly ‘sent’ at 2.08 am, which is around the time Maduro was captured in the intervening night of January 3 and 4. The US president only says: “come outside”, which is shown as unread with a blue dot.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Banger 😂 <a href="https://t.co/u5kA0RVW9q">https://t.co/u5kA0RVW9q</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2008199691918340589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Elon Musk shared a viral meme claiming Maduro’s confiscated iPhone revealed fake chats with Trump, Putin, Xi and others. What could be the meaning of their cryptic messages? Let's decode


Elon Musk has shared a humorous post containing a meme that showed a fictional screenshot of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s confiscated iPhone, ‘revealing’ chats he had with various leaders, including US President Donald Trump, under whose orders he was extracted to the US to stand trial in alleged drug offences. The meme shows profile pics of Russia’s Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping, Canada’s ex-PM Justin Trudeau, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, and Trump. The idea seems to be to share the possible last messages Maduro may have received before the American military operation on January 3. The shock and absurdity of Maduro’s US capture is evident in the meme photo, which is imagined as a ‘screenshot’ of his phone’s last chat history. Maduro’s capture On January 3, US forces seized Maduro from his presidential residence in the Venezuelan capital Caracas in what was essentially a regime change operation. He was brought to New York, where he appeared before a court on Monday (Jan 6). Maduro pleaded not guilty, and claimed he was kidnapped. What is in the Maduro meme photo shared by Musk? The original meme was shared by Musk with a simple comment: ‘Banger’ and a laughing emoji. The meme has got 26 million views and thousands of replies. The satirical screenshot of Maduro’s iPhone Messages app shows texts from the leaders, with a “CONFIDENTIAL” watermark overlaid, adding to the faux-leaked vibe of the meme. Also read: ‘I was kidnapped’: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in US court Decoding the meme: What each leader told Maduro before his capture Putin says, “We make deal, no tell Trump”, possibly referring to secretive alliances between Russia and Venezuela often involving oil, military support, or anti-US pacts. The “no tell Trump” suggests fear of US intervention by Trump, as well as Putin's poor English. Xi, who is identified in the screenshot as “Chino” or Chinese, says: “Trump berry FAFO”. This appears garbled or intentionally poorly translated to mock Xi’s broken English. “Berry” is probably meant as “very,” and “FAFO” could be an acronym for the internet slang “f*** around and Find Out”. This could be referring to defence secretary Pete Hegseth's remark that Maduro ‘effed around and found out’, while detailing the Caracas operation to media along with Trump on January 4. China has several large investments in Venezuela and has given loans to the country. There are also oil deals which Trump could jeopardise for China. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-venezuela-tensions-maduro-wife-to-stay-in-detention-centre-until-next-hearing-1767693977486/embed Trudeau is identified as “Gringo Canada”, and says “Come to Canada whenever ;)”. While Gringo is an ironic slang used mainly by Latin Americans to refer to North Americans, the winky face symbol and invitation allude to Canada’s reputation for offering asylum to left-leaning exiles like Cuban refugees. While Trudeau is no more in power, it is a mockery of his progressive policies and criticisms of Trump. Zelensky asks, “Can I borrow $500 million?”, which is poking fun at Ukraine’s heavy reliance on international aid amid its war with Russia, with billions in US funding under scrutiny by the Trump administration. Zelensky is known for his frequent requests for financial or defence aid, which he is seeking from Maduro, given Venezuela’s oil wealth. Also read: Who's next? 7 dictators and leaders who won't sleep peacefully after Nicholas Maduro’s extraction Kim Jong-un, labelled “Otro Chino”, meaning “Another Chinese”, says: “you are homoseshuro”. This is possibly a deliberate misspelling of “you are homosexual,” as a childish or homophobic insult. “Otro Chino” lumps Kim in with Xi, alluding to North Korea’s alliance with China and shared authoritarianism with Venezuela. Donald Trump’s message is interestingly ‘sent’ at 2.08 am, which is around the time Maduro was captured in the intervening night of January 3 and 4. The US president only says: “come outside”, which is shown as unread with a blue dot.

Elon Musk shared a viral meme claiming Maduro’s confiscated iPhone revealed fake chats with Trump, Putin, Xi and others. What could be the meaning of their cryptic messages? Let's decode

‘Banger’: Musk shares meme of Maduro’s ‘confiscated iPhone’. Here’s what the messages in it might mean

High-profile lawyer Barry Pollack secured Julian Assange’s 2024 freedom. His record includes major wins for CIA whistleblowers, Enron executives, and the wrongfully convicted.

High-profile lawyer Barry Pollack secured Julian Assange’s 2024 freedom. His record includes major wins for CIA whistleblowers, Enron executives, and the wrongfully convicted.

From Julian Assange to CIA whistleblowers: 5 massive legal wins by Barry Pollack

Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to US narco-terrorism charges in New York. The ousted leader claimed he was kidnapped following a military raid in Caracas. 

Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to US narco-terrorism charges in New York. The ousted leader claimed he was kidnapped following a military raid in Caracas.&nbsp;

‘I was kidnapped’: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in US court

The capture of Nicolas Maduro by US forces dismantles Iran's strategic hub in the Americas. It chokes Tehran's shadow economy, ends military cooperation, and emboldens protesters in Iran.

The capture of Nicolas Maduro by US forces dismantles Iran's strategic hub in the Americas. It chokes Tehran's shadow economy, ends military cooperation, and emboldens protesters in Iran.

'Partner in crime': 7 ways Nicholas Maduro's capture could hurt Iran and Ali Khamenei

Nicolás Maduro is in US custody. In a span of over 48 hours, he went from being president of Venezuela to being extracted from his own capital city Caracas, taken blindfolded—first to a ship and then an aircraft— prep-walked before media and photographed, and 'showcased in the back of an open vehicle in New York, to standing trial in a court in the American city. To much of the shocked world, this is an act of humiliation. President Donald Trump's idea of the US 'running Venezuela' and 'managing' its oil could lead to more deaths, destruction, and chaos. Indignation and hurt to national pride could unite the people of Venezuela, only to bring back another socialist regime after a long guerrilla war. Here is a prognosis, based on expert opinion and the history of US interventions in Latin America.<h2>US involvement in Venezuela: A recipe for disaster?</h2>A deeper involvement of the US—either as an occupier or as manager of the Venezuelan oil or economy—is sure to exacerbate violence and chaos, according to experts. Organisations like the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) have condemned unilateral US military intervention, saying it would undermine a peaceful democratic transition and risk broader regional instability.The January 3 overnight attack on Venezuela has already raised serious questions about violation of international norms and could provoke prolonged conflict.There is a view that the drug-trafficking allegations against Maduro—which are cited as the reason for his extraction—are "flimsy" and do not justify intervention. Analysts warned that such pretexts echo past failed policies and could position the US as a "rogue state" in global eyes.Global reactions underscored this: Many Latin American and world leaders decried the strike on Caracas that culminated in Maduro's detention as violation of international law, predicting resentment and unification of adversaries in Venezuela against the US.Targeting Maduro selectively ignored other brutal regimes worldwide, suggesting the move is more about power projection and greed for Venezuela's covted oil and natural resources than justice.Experts noted that Venezuela's alliances with US adversaries like Russia, Iran, China and Cuba could give it external support, complicating any occupation. This could turn into a quagmire for the US, akin to Afghanistan or Iraq.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-breaking-first-video-shows-nicolas-maduro-in-us-custody-1767500472950/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-breaking-first-video-shows-nicolas-maduro-in-us-custody-1767500472950/embed</a><h2>What could follow: Smooth transition, guerrilla warfare, or a return to socialism?</h2>Fears have been expressed already that any US occupation would likely unite the disparate factions of Venezuelan politics: Chavistas (followers of Hugo Chávez's ideology), nationalists, and even some opposition groups under an anti-imperialist banner.&nbsp;Venezuela's military, though weakened by economic collapse, is reportedly preparing for asymmetric guerrilla warfare, dispersing units and leveraging armed groups to resist conventional forces. A protracted insurgency is likely, and could cause thousands of deaths, infrastructure destruction, and humanitarian crises.Occupation of the nation, as the US envisages, could prove practically impossible given Venezuela's vast terrain and impoverished economy despite being oil-rich. The deep-seated Bolivarian socialist legacy under Hugo Chávez would frame any American intervention as colonial theft of resources.Socialist networks could be mobilised domestically, regionally and globally as seen in rapid pro-Maduro activism by US-based groups following the recent events.<h2>We have been here before: How US interventions in Latin America panned out</h2>The US has a long history of intervening in Latin American countries, ostensibly to promote democracy, combat threats, or secure its economic interests. Most of these caused widespread deaths and long-term instability in the relevant countries. Resentment against the US united local populations against perceived imperialism and new-age colonialism. Resistance to American activities often paved the way for revolutionary or leftist regimes to gain or retake power.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/venezuela-president-captured-us-forces-dragged-maduro-and-his-wife-cilia-flores-from-their-bedroom-during-the-operation-1767455345070">Venezuela President captured: US forces dragged Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom during the operation</a> The 1954, a CIA-orchestrated coup in Guatemala ousted democratically elected President Jacobo Árbenz. It led to decades of civil war, authoritarian rule, and an estimated 200,000 deaths, much of it fuelled by anti-US sentiment.US support for the 1973 coup in Chile against the Salvador Allende government installed the Augusto Pinochet regime. The dictator killed thousands and tortured tens of thousands. It sowed seeds of political revolution that eventually shifted the nation back toward progressive governments.In Nicaragua during the 1980s, the US backed the Contra rebels against the Sandinista government, prolonging a brutal civil war that caused an estimated 30,000 deaths and economic devastation. Despite that, the Sandinistas returned to power democratically in 2006 amid lingering anti-imperialist fervour.This falls into a familiar pattern seen since the early 20th century. Since Cold War days, US intervened in Cuba, Panama, and other nations under the guise of "strategic denial" or protecting US interests. This often escalated into prolonged conflicts and crises, leading to regional backlash.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-illegal-act-iran-slams-capture-of-maduro-vows-ties-with-venezuela-remain-unchanged-1767603055944">‘Illegal act’: Iran slams capture of Maduro, vows ties with Venezuela remain unchanged</a><h2>US is not a stablising force in Latin America</h2>As one analyst put it, the US actions generated needless resentment in the region and called into question its real commitment to democracy and self-determination, often leading to cycles of instability rather than stability.Trump's plans for "running" Venezuela would likely follow a similar trajectory. This could set the stage for the resurgence of socialist ideologies popularised by Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. The future could echo Nicaragua's Sandinista revival or Bolivia's return to MAS rule after US-backed interventions. The cycle of intervention, resistance, and ideological resurgence has been a hallmark of Latin American history and the US role in it. Venezuela's strong anti-Yankee sentiment, amplified by Maduro's alliances, makes this outcome probable.

The US extraction of Nicolás Maduro risks repeating its failed Latin American interventions. Trump's plans to ‘run the country’ could fuel nationalism, guerrilla conflict, and a resurgence of socialism while destabilising Venezuela and the wider region.

Nicolás Maduro is in US custody. In a span of over 48 hours, he went from being president of Venezuela to being extracted from his own capital city Caracas, taken blindfolded—first to a ship and then an aircraft— prep-walked before media and photographed, and 'showcased in the back of an open vehicle in New York, to standing trial in a court in the American city. To much of the shocked world, this is an act of humiliation. President Donald Trump's idea of the US 'running Venezuela' and 'managing' its oil could lead to more deaths, destruction, and chaos. Indignation and hurt to national pride could unite the people of Venezuela, only to bring back another socialist regime after a long guerrilla war. Here is a prognosis, based on expert opinion and the history of US interventions in Latin America. US involvement in Venezuela: A recipe for disaster? A deeper involvement of the US—either as an occupier or as manager of the Venezuelan oil or economy—is sure to exacerbate violence and chaos, according to experts. Organisations like the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) have condemned unilateral US military intervention, saying it would undermine a peaceful democratic transition and risk broader regional instability. The January 3 overnight attack on Venezuela has already raised serious questions about violation of international norms and could provoke prolonged conflict. There is a view that the drug-trafficking allegations against Maduro—which are cited as the reason for his extraction—are "flimsy" and do not justify intervention. Analysts warned that such pretexts echo past failed policies and could position the US as a "rogue state" in global eyes. Global reactions underscored this: Many Latin American and world leaders decried the strike on Caracas that culminated in Maduro's detention as violation of international law, predicting resentment and unification of adversaries in Venezuela against the US. Targeting Maduro selectively ignored other brutal regimes worldwide, suggesting the move is more about power projection and greed for Venezuela's covted oil and natural resources than justice. Experts noted that Venezuela's alliances with US adversaries like Russia, Iran, China and Cuba could give it external support, complicating any occupation. This could turn into a quagmire for the US, akin to Afghanistan or Iraq. https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-breaking-first-video-shows-nicolas-maduro-in-us-custody-1767500472950/embed What could follow: Smooth transition, guerrilla warfare, or a return to socialism? Fears have been expressed already that any US occupation would likely unite the disparate factions of Venezuelan politics: Chavistas (followers of Hugo Chávez's ideology), nationalists, and even some opposition groups under an anti-imperialist banner. Venezuela's military, though weakened by economic collapse, is reportedly preparing for asymmetric guerrilla warfare, dispersing units and leveraging armed groups to resist conventional forces. A protracted insurgency is likely, and could cause thousands of deaths, infrastructure destruction, and humanitarian crises. Occupation of the nation, as the US envisages, could prove practically impossible given Venezuela's vast terrain and impoverished economy despite being oil-rich. The deep-seated Bolivarian socialist legacy under Hugo Chávez would frame any American intervention as colonial theft of resources. Socialist networks could be mobilised domestically, regionally and globally as seen in rapid pro-Maduro activism by US-based groups following the recent events. We have been here before: How US interventions in Latin America panned out The US has a long history of intervening in Latin American countries, ostensibly to promote democracy, combat threats, or secure its economic interests. Most of these caused widespread deaths and long-term instability in the relevant countries. Resentment against the US united local populations against perceived imperialism and new-age colonialism. Resistance to American activities often paved the way for revolutionary or leftist regimes to gain or retake power. Also read: Venezuela President captured: US forces dragged Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom during the operation The 1954, a CIA-orchestrated coup in Guatemala ousted democratically elected President Jacobo Árbenz. It led to decades of civil war, authoritarian rule, and an estimated 200,000 deaths, much of it fuelled by anti-US sentiment. US support for the 1973 coup in Chile against the Salvador Allende government installed the Augusto Pinochet regime. The dictator killed thousands and tortured tens of thousands. It sowed seeds of political revolution that eventually shifted the nation back toward progressive governments. In Nicaragua during the 1980s, the US backed the Contra rebels against the Sandinista government, prolonging a brutal civil war that caused an estimated 30,000 deaths and economic devastation. Despite that, the Sandinistas returned to power democratically in 2006 amid lingering anti-imperialist fervour. This falls into a familiar pattern seen since the early 20th century. Since Cold War days, US intervened in Cuba, Panama, and other nations under the guise of "strategic denial" or protecting US interests. This often escalated into prolonged conflicts and crises, leading to regional backlash. Also read: ‘Illegal act’: Iran slams capture of Maduro, vows ties with Venezuela remain unchanged US is not a stablising force in Latin America As one analyst put it, the US actions generated needless resentment in the region and called into question its real commitment to democracy and self-determination, often leading to cycles of instability rather than stability. Trump's plans for "running" Venezuela would likely follow a similar trajectory. This could set the stage for the resurgence of socialist ideologies popularised by Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. The future could echo Nicaragua's Sandinista revival or Bolivia's return to MAS rule after US-backed interventions. The cycle of intervention, resistance, and ideological resurgence has been a hallmark of Latin American history and the US role in it. Venezuela's strong anti-Yankee sentiment, amplified by Maduro's alliances, makes this outcome probable.

The US extraction of Nicolás Maduro risks repeating its failed Latin American interventions. Trump's plans to ‘run the country’ could fuel nationalism, guerrilla conflict, and a resurgence of socialism while destabilising Venezuela and the wider region.

Carcasses in Caracas: US 'running' Venezuela is a bad idea, and we've seen that movie before. How it failed in Latin America

In the aftermath of Nicolas Maduro capture, the Venezuela government has called for collaboration and peace. In a social media post, Delcy Rodriguez, Acting President of Venezuela said his country "aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation."&nbsp;Taking to Instagram Rodriguez wrote, "Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence. Our country aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation. We believe that global peace is built by first guaranteeing peace within each nation."&nbsp;"We prioritise moving towards balanced and respectful international relations between the United States and Venezuela, and between Venezuela and other countries in the region, premised on sovereign equality and non-interference. These principles guide our diplomacy with the rest of the world," read the Instagram post further.&nbsp;Rodriguez urged the Unites States to "collaborate on an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development within the framework of international law to strengthen lasting community coexistence."<h2>US attack on Venezuela approved four days ago?</h2>Meanwhile, it has come to light that the attack on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro was to take place 4 days before the actual attack date.&nbsp;President Donald Trump and the US state machinery, in fact US spies had been monitoring Maduro's every move for months. A small team, including one source within the Venezuelan government kept a track of the 63-year-old's each move like when he slept, what he wore and what he ate. Also his pets were tracked by the intelligence staff.&nbsp;US troops also created a full-size replica of Maduro's Caracas safe house to practise their entry routes. And after keeping a track for months, the mission called "Operation Absolute Resolve" was finalised in early December last year.&nbsp;The mission was closely guarded and not even the Congress was informed or consulted about it. The US military was only waiting for the right time.&nbsp;In fact four days earlier President Trump had given his nod for the attack but the US military chose to wait for better weather and less cloud cover.<h2>The mission "Operation Absolute Resolve"</h2>The attack was a two-hour and twenty-minute mission by air, land and sea. It was unprecedented if compared to the scale and precision it was carried out with.&nbsp;Trump, watched the complex capture in Caracas play out in real time from a room in Mar-a-Lago alongside military generals.&nbsp;“If you would have seen what happened, I mean, I watched it literally, like I was watching a television show,” he said to Fox news

Taking to Instagram Rodriguez wrote, Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence. Our country aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation.

In the aftermath of Nicolas Maduro capture, the Venezuela government has called for collaboration and peace. In a social media post, Delcy Rodriguez, Acting President of Venezuela said his country "aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation." Taking to Instagram Rodriguez wrote, "Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence. Our country aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation. We believe that global peace is built by first guaranteeing peace within each nation." "We prioritise moving towards balanced and respectful international relations between the United States and Venezuela, and between Venezuela and other countries in the region, premised on sovereign equality and non-interference. These principles guide our diplomacy with the rest of the world," read the Instagram post further. Rodriguez urged the Unites States to "collaborate on an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development within the framework of international law to strengthen lasting community coexistence." US attack on Venezuela approved four days ago? Meanwhile, it has come to light that the attack on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro was to take place 4 days before the actual attack date. President Donald Trump and the US state machinery, in fact US spies had been monitoring Maduro's every move for months. A small team, including one source within the Venezuelan government kept a track of the 63-year-old's each move like when he slept, what he wore and what he ate. Also his pets were tracked by the intelligence staff. US troops also created a full-size replica of Maduro's Caracas safe house to practise their entry routes. And after keeping a track for months, the mission called "Operation Absolute Resolve" was finalised in early December last year. The mission was closely guarded and not even the Congress was informed or consulted about it. The US military was only waiting for the right time. In fact four days earlier President Trump had given his nod for the attack but the US military chose to wait for better weather and less cloud cover. The mission "Operation Absolute Resolve" The attack was a two-hour and twenty-minute mission by air, land and sea. It was unprecedented if compared to the scale and precision it was carried out with. Trump, watched the complex capture in Caracas play out in real time from a room in Mar-a-Lago alongside military generals. “If you would have seen what happened, I mean, I watched it literally, like I was watching a television show,” he said to Fox news

Taking to Instagram Rodriguez wrote, "Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence. Our country aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation.

Venezuela acting president urges US for a 'balanced and respectful international relations'

India was among the largest buyers of Venezuelan oil before US sanctions sharply curtailed trade. Imports largely halted after 2020 amid American sanctions and military actions, which culminated in the removal of its president Nicholas Maduro, who will now stand trial in the US. Several Indian companies – both state-owned and/or listed &nbsp;– have been in business with Venezuela, particularly in the oil and gas sector. After the extraction of Maduro to the US, President Donald Trump revealed plans to “run” the Latin American country. Any such major change would have both short- and long-term consequences for the Indian companies as well as its energy security. Some of it could be actually positive. Here is a roundup:<h2>India and developments in Venezuala</h2>Indian markets appear to have largely shrugged off, or factored in, developments related to Venezuela. Oil-linked stocks such as Reliance showed strength, reflecting potential upside rather than immediate losses. But in the long term, if the US gives priority to American firms, it might limit Indian companies' gains.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maduro-faces-judge-in-ny-charged-with-wife-in-narco-terror-plot-wion-1767592261165/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/maduro-faces-judge-in-ny-charged-with-wife-in-narco-terror-plot-wion-1767592261165/embed</a><h2>Indian companies in the oil and gas sector with exposure to Venezuela</h2>ONGC Videsh, an unlisted subsidiary of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, has stakes in two Venezuelan oil projects: 40 per cent in the San Cristóbal field and 11 per cent in Carabobo-1. The state-owned and listed Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is a consortium partner in the Carabobo heavy-oil project with equity participation. Oil India, a listed Indian state-run oil company, is a minority partner in a Venezuelan oil joint venture alongside ONGC Videsh and IOC.In the private sector, Reliance Industries has been a major importer of Venezuelan crude in the past, with its refineries optimised for heavy oil processing. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals (MRPL), a listed firm, has historically imported Venezuelan oil, while Nayara Energy, an unlisted company, has imported heavy crude from Venezuela in earlier periods.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-venezuela-conflict-live-updates-maduro-jailed-trump-us-strikes-in-caracas-1767584039309">US-Venezuela conflict LIVE updates: Venezuela sets commission to bring back Maduro amid Trump's warning to Cuba, Mexico, Columbia, Iran</a><h2>Indian pharma sector firms with exposure to Venezuela</h2>Several pharma companies, mostly listed in the Indian stock market, have business interests in Venezuela. Their stocks could be partially affected by any disruption or revival of trade.Sun Pharma operates a registered subsidiary in Venezuela. Cipla has exported essential medicines to Venezuela, while Glenmark Pharma operates through a locally registered subsidiary. Smaller unlisted firms such as Addii Biotech, JoinHub Pharma, and Salvavidas Pharma have been involved in pharma exports, contributing to millions of dollars in annual pharma trade with Venezuela in recent years. Dr Reddy’s had a subsidiary in the country but divested its operations by 2024, resulting in minimal ongoing exposure.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-bus-driver-to-president-the-story-of-venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-1767558410299">From bus driver to President: The story of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a><h2>Metals, industrial and engineering sector firms exposed to Venezuela</h2>Public-sector firm Engineers India (EIL) has had an overseas office in Caracas to support its international business. Jindal Steel and Power has had iron-ore exposure in Venezuela through overseas assets, though operations have been inconsistent. Bajaj Auto had a historical presence in the Venezuelan motorcycle market, but recent years have seen limited operations due to the country’s economic conditions.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-capture-of-nicholas-maduro-is-it-legal-to-kidnap-a-president-of-another-country-like-venezuela-1767437573552">'Capture of Nicholas Maduro': Is it legal to kidnap a 'President' of another country like Venezuela?</a><h2>Macro impact and energy security future of India in wake of Venezuela developments</h2>Indian imports from Venezuela have declined by over 90 per cent since 2019 due to sanctions. This means that while individual firms with exposure might be affected, India’s overall energy security or economy are unlikely to take a major hit from developments involving Venezuela.On the other hand, India could benefit if Venezuela’s oil production and exports increase following sanctions relief or improved Amercian engagement.&nbsp;<h2>Future of Venezuela's oil industry: Will India be affected?</h2>Venezuela has been exporting roughly 700,000–900,000 barrels per day in recent years, largely to China. If the US helps improve oil infrastructure, output could rise over time, which would ease global supply pressures on oil.If US sanctions on the Venezuelan oil industry are lifted, India could also recover a portion of stuck dues and dividends owed to ONGC Videsh. Refiners such as Reliance, Nayara and MRPL could benefit from renewed access to discounted heavy crude, potentially improving margins.If production stabilises, both IOC and Oil India might be able to move forward with their joint ventures.<h2>Indian pharma sector could be affected in long term</h2>Pharma and engineering could be a different story. Sun Pharma, Cipla, Glenmark and smaller exporters might face short-term disruptions. If US–Venezuela ties improve, it could enhance market access for essential medicines over time. But again, if American pharma firms enter Venezuela market, Indian companies could face tough competition.&nbsp;Iron-ore operations could remain vulnerable to political or port-related disruptions, though this exposure is not core to the overall business of Indian firms involved.

Capture and trial of Maduro and subsequent US actions in Venezuela could reshape oil flows, affect Indian energy and pharma firms. it could be beneficial if Indian oil firms get stuck dues and global oil supply eases. But instability could be a problem. What's in store?

India was among the largest buyers of Venezuelan oil before US sanctions sharply curtailed trade. Imports largely halted after 2020 amid American sanctions and military actions, which culminated in the removal of its president Nicholas Maduro, who will now stand trial in the US. Several Indian companies – both state-owned and/or listed – have been in business with Venezuela, particularly in the oil and gas sector. After the extraction of Maduro to the US, President Donald Trump revealed plans to “run” the Latin American country. Any such major change would have both short- and long-term consequences for the Indian companies as well as its energy security. Some of it could be actually positive. Here is a roundup: India and developments in Venezuala Indian markets appear to have largely shrugged off, or factored in, developments related to Venezuela. Oil-linked stocks such as Reliance showed strength, reflecting potential upside rather than immediate losses. But in the long term, if the US gives priority to American firms, it might limit Indian companies' gains. https://www.wionews.com/videos/maduro-faces-judge-in-ny-charged-with-wife-in-narco-terror-plot-wion-1767592261165/embed Indian companies in the oil and gas sector with exposure to Venezuela ONGC Videsh, an unlisted subsidiary of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, has stakes in two Venezuelan oil projects: 40 per cent in the San Cristóbal field and 11 per cent in Carabobo-1. The state-owned and listed Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is a consortium partner in the Carabobo heavy-oil project with equity participation. Oil India, a listed Indian state-run oil company, is a minority partner in a Venezuelan oil joint venture alongside ONGC Videsh and IOC. In the private sector, Reliance Industries has been a major importer of Venezuelan crude in the past, with its refineries optimised for heavy oil processing. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals (MRPL), a listed firm, has historically imported Venezuelan oil, while Nayara Energy, an unlisted company, has imported heavy crude from Venezuela in earlier periods. Also read: US-Venezuela conflict LIVE updates: Venezuela sets commission to bring back Maduro amid Trump's warning to Cuba, Mexico, Columbia, Iran Indian pharma sector firms with exposure to Venezuela Several pharma companies, mostly listed in the Indian stock market, have business interests in Venezuela. Their stocks could be partially affected by any disruption or revival of trade. Sun Pharma operates a registered subsidiary in Venezuela. Cipla has exported essential medicines to Venezuela, while Glenmark Pharma operates through a locally registered subsidiary. Smaller unlisted firms such as Addii Biotech, JoinHub Pharma, and Salvavidas Pharma have been involved in pharma exports, contributing to millions of dollars in annual pharma trade with Venezuela in recent years. Dr Reddy’s had a subsidiary in the country but divested its operations by 2024, resulting in minimal ongoing exposure. Also read: From bus driver to President: The story of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Metals, industrial and engineering sector firms exposed to Venezuela Public-sector firm Engineers India (EIL) has had an overseas office in Caracas to support its international business. Jindal Steel and Power has had iron-ore exposure in Venezuela through overseas assets, though operations have been inconsistent. Bajaj Auto had a historical presence in the Venezuelan motorcycle market, but recent years have seen limited operations due to the country’s economic conditions. Also read: 'Capture of Nicholas Maduro': Is it legal to kidnap a 'President' of another country like Venezuela? Macro impact and energy security future of India in wake of Venezuela developments Indian imports from Venezuela have declined by over 90 per cent since 2019 due to sanctions. This means that while individual firms with exposure might be affected, India’s overall energy security or economy are unlikely to take a major hit from developments involving Venezuela. On the other hand, India could benefit if Venezuela’s oil production and exports increase following sanctions relief or improved Amercian engagement. Future of Venezuela's oil industry: Will India be affected? Venezuela has been exporting roughly 700,000–900,000 barrels per day in recent years, largely to China. If the US helps improve oil infrastructure, output could rise over time, which would ease global supply pressures on oil. If US sanctions on the Venezuelan oil industry are lifted, India could also recover a portion of stuck dues and dividends owed to ONGC Videsh. Refiners such as Reliance, Nayara and MRPL could benefit from renewed access to discounted heavy crude, potentially improving margins. If production stabilises, both IOC and Oil India might be able to move forward with their joint ventures. Indian pharma sector could be affected in long term Pharma and engineering could be a different story. Sun Pharma, Cipla, Glenmark and smaller exporters might face short-term disruptions. If US–Venezuela ties improve, it could enhance market access for essential medicines over time. But again, if American pharma firms enter Venezuela market, Indian companies could face tough competition. Iron-ore operations could remain vulnerable to political or port-related disruptions, though this exposure is not core to the overall business of Indian firms involved.

Capture and trial of Maduro and subsequent US actions in Venezuela could reshape oil flows, affect Indian energy and pharma firms. it could be beneficial if Indian oil firms get stuck dues and global oil supply eases. But instability could be a problem. What's in store?

Some good, some bad: How Indian firms and energy security could be affected by US “running” Venezuela after taking Maduro into custody

Trace the rise of Nicolas Maduro from a Caracas bus driver and union leader to the Presidency of Venezuela. Know how he became the hand-picked successor of Hugo Chavez.

Trace the rise of Nicolas Maduro from a Caracas bus driver and union leader to the Presidency of Venezuela. Know how he became the hand-picked successor of Hugo Chavez.

From bus driver to President: The story of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

The US military captured President Maduro in a surprise 2026 raid. Washington now aims to tap Venezuela’s 303 billion barrels of oil, the world's largest reserves, to stabilise the nation.

The US military captured President Maduro in a surprise 2026 raid. Washington now aims to tap Venezuela’s 303 billion barrels of oil, the world's largest reserves, to stabilise the nation.

USA attacked Venezuela: How much oil does Venezuela really have?

Venezuela’s shift to socialism under Nicholas Maduro led to hyperinflation, 80 per cent poverty, and the exodus of 7.7 million people. 

Venezuela’s shift to socialism under Nicholas Maduro led to hyperinflation, 80 per cent poverty, and the exodus of 7.7 million people.&nbsp;

What is socialism and how it turned Venezuela into a living hell under Nicholas Maduro

US elite forces captured Nicolas Maduro after months of secret rehearsals. The audacious raid in Caracas ended with Maduro facing federal charges in New York.

US elite forces captured Nicolas Maduro after months of secret rehearsals. The audacious raid in Caracas ended with Maduro facing federal charges in New York.

Venezuela President captured: How months of planning and rehearsals by US forces led to the capture

The United States will take control of Venezuela until a political transition is secured, President Donald Trump said on Saturday, hours after confirming the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The remarks followed an overnight US military operation in which Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were 'captured and flown out of the country' during what he described as ‘large-scale’ strikes. As the press conference drew to a close, however, attention shifted beyond Caracas when Trump added an unscripted remark on Russia, saying, “I’m not thrilled with Putin". &nbsp;<h2>How Russia reacted to the strikes&nbsp;</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Hardly anyone expected 2026 to usher in calm, and within its first three days, those expectations collapsed. Trump also accused Maduro of being a ‘dictator’ and a ‘drug kingpin’ and also claimed that Venezuela’s vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, had been sworn in as the country’s new president and would cooperate with the United States. “We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind,” he added. Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned what it called an 'act of armed aggression against Venezuela' by the United States, calling any ‘excuses’ given to justify such actions ‘untenable’. In the statement it added, "Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside.”&nbsp;<h2>Trump's remarks on Putin</h2> While the press conference was centered on Venezuela, it ended with an unexpected pivot to Russia and the war in Ukraine. When asked about his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said Maduro had not come up in their discussion. However, he used the moment to voice blunt frustration with Moscow. “I’m not thrilled with Putin,” Trump said. “He’s killing too many people.” He described the war in Ukraine as a ‘bloodbath’ and said progress was being made towards peace, without providing specifics.&nbsp;Flanked by senior Cabinet officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump repeated his long-held claim that the conflict ‘should have never happened’ and insisted it would not have begun had he been president at the time. “I’m not happy about the number of people killed,” he added, saying both sides had ‘done some bad things’.

As the press conference drew to a close, however, attention shifted beyond Caracas when Trump added an unscripted remark on Russia, saying, ‘I’m not thrilled with Putin.’

The United States will take control of Venezuela until a political transition is secured, President Donald Trump said on Saturday, hours after confirming the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The remarks followed an overnight US military operation in which Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were 'captured and flown out of the country' during what he described as ‘large-scale’ strikes. As the press conference drew to a close, however, attention shifted beyond Caracas when Trump added an unscripted remark on Russia, saying, “I’m not thrilled with Putin". How Russia reacted to the strikes Hardly anyone expected 2026 to usher in calm, and within its first three days, those expectations collapsed. Trump also accused Maduro of being a ‘dictator’ and a ‘drug kingpin’ and also claimed that Venezuela’s vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, had been sworn in as the country’s new president and would cooperate with the United States. “We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind,” he added. Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned what it called an 'act of armed aggression against Venezuela' by the United States, calling any ‘excuses’ given to justify such actions ‘untenable’. In the statement it added, "Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside.” Trump's remarks on Putin While the press conference was centered on Venezuela, it ended with an unexpected pivot to Russia and the war in Ukraine. When asked about his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said Maduro had not come up in their discussion. However, he used the moment to voice blunt frustration with Moscow. “I’m not thrilled with Putin,” Trump said. “He’s killing too many people.” He described the war in Ukraine as a ‘bloodbath’ and said progress was being made towards peace, without providing specifics. Flanked by senior Cabinet officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump repeated his long-held claim that the conflict ‘should have never happened’ and insisted it would not have begun had he been president at the time. “I’m not happy about the number of people killed,” he added, saying both sides had ‘done some bad things’.

As the press conference drew to a close, however, attention shifted beyond Caracas when Trump added an unscripted remark on Russia, saying, ‘I’m not thrilled with Putin.’

‘I’m not thrilled with Putin’: Trump ends Venezuela briefing with blunt remark on Russian President

The President’s comments reveal the terrifying accuracy of US intelligence. He noted the replica included "all the safes, all the steel all over the place," and that "everything was pinpoint." 

The President’s comments reveal the terrifying accuracy of US intelligence. He noted the replica included "all the safes, all the steel all over the place," and that "everything was pinpoint."&nbsp;

'Built a house to practice': Trump reveals US forces constructed replica of Venezuela's President's house for precision strike

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.

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

Under Maduro’s protection, the Sathya Sai organisation flourished in Venezuela, operating freely while other foreign NGOs were expelled. 

Under Maduro’s protection, the Sathya Sai organisation flourished in Venezuela, operating freely while other foreign NGOs were expelled.&nbsp;

'Follower of an Indian Baba': Why Venezuela’s captured dictator Nicholas Maduro worshiped Sathya Sai Baba

There is widespread fear and speculation that the United States could launch a military operation against Venezuela, while President Donald Trump has been ambiguous about his plans for President Nicolás Maduro. Reports suggest that the US is currently undertaking the biggest military build-up in the Caribbean since 1994, when its forces intervened in Haiti. The operation is officially described as an anti-drug campaign, but it appears to go far beyond such missions.<h2>US Navy warships, nuclear-powered submarines near Venezuelan waters</h2>At least eight US Navy warships and a nuclear-powered attack submarine are operating in waters near Venezuela, according to Reuters, the Financial Times and other outlets. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group is in the region, along with F-35 stealth fighters. Several thousand US Marines from the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group are also deployed on duty.<h2>Pentagon insists the mission targets “narco-terrorist networks”</h2>The official position of the US Department of Defense is that the deployment is aimed at targeting drug cartels such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and the Cartel of the Suns. However, the scale and composition of the force suggest a broader strategic goal, according to analysts and observers. Amphibious assault ships, stealth jets, and a carrier strike group are capable of launching precision strikes and conducting limited land operations — capabilities far beyond typical anti-drug patrols. Al Jazeera reports that these forces are positioned within striking distance of Venezuela’s northern coast.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plotting-a-regime-change-in-venezuela-why-is-he-interfering-in-other-nations-internal-politics-1761756418422">Trump plotting a regime change in Venezuela? Why is he interfering in other nations’ internal politics?</a><h2>Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are activated</h2>Military activity has increased in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. At defence installations in these American territories, reports have emerged of aircraft refuelling, radar systems being activated, and Marine logistics units operating at a higher tempo. Social media posts have claimed that the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station has been reopened and expanded, but this has not been verified or confirmed officially.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-venezuela-dispute-hegseth-announces-new-strike-on-drug-boats-15-boats-destroyed-65-killed-1762086186407/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-venezuela-dispute-hegseth-announces-new-strike-on-drug-boats-15-boats-destroyed-65-killed-1762086186407/embed</a><h2>US adds teeth to anti-drug operations, with deadly results</h2>American naval and air assets have, since early September, intercepted and destroyed multiple suspected drug-carrying vessels in Caribbean waters. At least 10 of these incidents are publicly known, resulting in more than 40 deaths at sea. There has been speculation that the CIA or US special forces have conducted lethal operations inside Venezuelan territory, but nothing has been confirmed.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-not-considering-strikes-within-venezuela-as-maduro-accuses-us-of-pushing-slanderous-narrative-to-justify-attack-1761970255648">Trump says not considering strikes within Venezuela as Maduro accuses US of pushing ‘slanderous narrative’ to justify attack</a><h2>Pressure mounts on Venezuelan president Maduro</h2>Calling the Nicolás Maduro government a criminal regime, President Trump has doubled the US reward for the Venezuelan president’s capture to 50 million dollars. Caracas has reportedly offered oil trade or mineral concessions, which the US has refused.<h2>Maduro digs in as Russia and China oppose unilateral US moves</h2>Asserting that his forces are ready to repel an invasion, Maduro has reportedly deployed troops and drones along Venezuela’s coastal states. He accused the US of preparing to seize Venezuelan oilfields under the guise of anti-drug patrols.&nbsp;Russia and China have publicly condemned the US build-up as “excessive and destabilising.” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has proposed regional mediation to de-escalate the situation.<h2>No shots fired, but tensions remain high in the region</h2>Although no American military action has occurred inside Venezuelan territory, there was a “near incident”, reported by The Washington Post, involving Venezuelan fighter jets buzzing a US warship. The rhetoric has escalated, matched by the scale of military deployments. The question now is whether this is a calculated pressure campaign by Trump against Maduro’s government or the prelude to a real plan for occupation.

The biggest US military buildup in the Caribbean since 1994 near Venezuela is raising fears of an invasion to oust its president  Maduro. Tensions escalate despite claims that it's an anti-drug mission. What's brewing?

There is widespread fear and speculation that the United States could launch a military operation against Venezuela, while President Donald Trump has been ambiguous about his plans for President Nicolás Maduro. Reports suggest that the US is currently undertaking the biggest military build-up in the Caribbean since 1994, when its forces intervened in Haiti. The operation is officially described as an anti-drug campaign, but it appears to go far beyond such missions. US Navy warships, nuclear-powered submarines near Venezuelan waters At least eight US Navy warships and a nuclear-powered attack submarine are operating in waters near Venezuela, according to Reuters, the Financial Times and other outlets. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group is in the region, along with F-35 stealth fighters. Several thousand US Marines from the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group are also deployed on duty. Pentagon insists the mission targets “narco-terrorist networks” The official position of the US Department of Defense is that the deployment is aimed at targeting drug cartels such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and the Cartel of the Suns. However, the scale and composition of the force suggest a broader strategic goal, according to analysts and observers. Amphibious assault ships, stealth jets, and a carrier strike group are capable of launching precision strikes and conducting limited land operations — capabilities far beyond typical anti-drug patrols. Al Jazeera reports that these forces are positioned within striking distance of Venezuela’s northern coast. Also read: Trump plotting a regime change in Venezuela? Why is he interfering in other nations’ internal politics? Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are activated Military activity has increased in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. At defence installations in these American territories, reports have emerged of aircraft refuelling, radar systems being activated, and Marine logistics units operating at a higher tempo. Social media posts have claimed that the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station has been reopened and expanded, but this has not been verified or confirmed officially. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-venezuela-dispute-hegseth-announces-new-strike-on-drug-boats-15-boats-destroyed-65-killed-1762086186407/embed US adds teeth to anti-drug operations, with deadly results American naval and air assets have, since early September, intercepted and destroyed multiple suspected drug-carrying vessels in Caribbean waters. At least 10 of these incidents are publicly known, resulting in more than 40 deaths at sea. There has been speculation that the CIA or US special forces have conducted lethal operations inside Venezuelan territory, but nothing has been confirmed. Also read: Trump says not considering strikes within Venezuela as Maduro accuses US of pushing ‘slanderous narrative’ to justify attack Pressure mounts on Venezuelan president Maduro Calling the Nicolás Maduro government a criminal regime, President Trump has doubled the US reward for the Venezuelan president’s capture to 50 million dollars. Caracas has reportedly offered oil trade or mineral concessions, which the US has refused. Maduro digs in as Russia and China oppose unilateral US moves Asserting that his forces are ready to repel an invasion, Maduro has reportedly deployed troops and drones along Venezuela’s coastal states. He accused the US of preparing to seize Venezuelan oilfields under the guise of anti-drug patrols. Russia and China have publicly condemned the US build-up as “excessive and destabilising.” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has proposed regional mediation to de-escalate the situation. No shots fired, but tensions remain high in the region Although no American military action has occurred inside Venezuelan territory, there was a “near incident”, reported by The Washington Post, involving Venezuelan fighter jets buzzing a US warship. The rhetoric has escalated, matched by the scale of military deployments. The question now is whether this is a calculated pressure campaign by Trump against Maduro’s government or the prelude to a real plan for occupation.

The biggest US military buildup in the Caribbean since 1994 near Venezuela is raising fears of an invasion to oust its president &nbsp;Maduro. Tensions escalate despite claims that it's an anti-drug mission. What's brewing?

Biggest military build-up since 1994: Is the US planning to invade Venezuela with warships roaming seas, Puerto Rico activated?

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Aug 2) announced that United States forces had bombed a drug-carrying vessel in the southern Caribbean, after it departed from Venezuela, killing eleven on-board. This comes almost a month after the United States announced a whopping $50 million reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan President already had a bounty of $25 million on him, which has now been increased to $50 million, with the US calling him the biggest drug trafficker. He was indicted in Manhattan federal court in 2020, during the first Trump's presidency and at that time, the US offered a $15 million reward for his arrest. When Joe Biden became the US president, he increased this amount to $25 million. While Maduro continues to claim that he is not involved in drug trafficking, why do American leaders want him to face the US justice system, and who is he?&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offers-whopping-50-million-for-nicolas-maduro-s-arrest-venezuela-hits-back-with-epstein-files-jibe-1754619045813"> 'Biggest drug-trafficker': US offers whopping $50 million for Nicolas Maduro's arrest, Venezuela hits back with 'Epstein Files' jibe</a><h2>Who is Nicolás Maduro?</h2>Nicolás Maduro is the president of Venezuela, who first came to power in 2013. He was a key figure in the country’s socialist political movement known as Chavismo, named after his predecessor and mentor, Hugo Chávez. Born on November 23, 1962, in Caracas, Maduro came from a working-class background and began his career as a bus driver before entering politics through union activism. He rose within the ranks of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) to the top position that he holds today. Maduro was chosen as the third president of the National Assembly from 2005 to 2006, he became the 24th vice president and served from 2012 to 2013 and also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2012. When Chávez died of cancer in 2013, Maduro was named his successor and narrowly won the presidential election later that year.&nbsp;Maduro's presidency has been marked by deep political and economic crises. Under his rule, Venezuela experienced one of the worst economic collapses in modern history, characterised by hyperinflation, widespread poverty, food and medicine shortages, and mass migration. His administration has been widely accused of authoritarianism, electoral fraud, human rights abuses, and suppressing political opposition. Despite these allegations, Maduro has remained in power, allegedly due to his control over the military and key institutions.

<h2>Why is Nicolás Maduro wanted in the US?</h2>While countries like the United States and members of the European Union have questioned the legitimacy of his leadership and have accused him of rigging the 2018 and 2025 elections, other nations such as Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba support him. The US calls him the biggest drug trafficker. The story begins back in 2016 when two nephews of Maduro’s wife Cilia Flores - Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Francisco Flores de Freitas - were convicted in a US court for conspiracy to import cocaine. It was alleged that some of the drug trafficking proceeds helped fund Maduro’s 2013 presidential campaign and possibly the 2015 parliamentary elections. The nephews reportedly used a presidential airport terminal regularly, highlighting their close connections to the Venezuelan government. After their arrest by the US Drug Enforcement Administration in 2015, Maduro condemned the operation as an imperialist attack.&nbsp;High-ranking Venezuelan officials, including Diosdado Cabello and former Vice President Tareck El Aissami, have been sanctioned by the US for involvement in drug trafficking, corruption, and links to terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Iran’s Quds Force. In 2018, the US Treasury accused Cabello of directing drug trafficking activities and profiting from corruption alongside Maduro. In March 2020, the US Department of Justice charged Maduro and other Venezuelan and Colombian officials with “narco-terrorism,” alleging they orchestrated cocaine shipments to America to harm public health. Initially, it offered a reward of $15 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest. His nephews, meanwhile, were released in 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has a reward of $50 million on him. This will be rewarded to anyone who gives information to the US government about Maduro's whereabouts. But here's the story of why he is wanted in the US 

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Aug 2) announced that United States forces had bombed a drug-carrying vessel in the southern Caribbean, after it departed from Venezuela, killing eleven on-board. This comes almost a month after the United States announced a whopping $50 million reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan President already had a bounty of $25 million on him, which has now been increased to $50 million, with the US calling him the biggest drug trafficker. He was indicted in Manhattan federal court in 2020, during the first Trump's presidency and at that time, the US offered a $15 million reward for his arrest. When Joe Biden became the US president, he increased this amount to $25 million. While Maduro continues to claim that he is not involved in drug trafficking, why do American leaders want him to face the US justice system, and who is he? Read More | 'Biggest drug-trafficker': US offers whopping $50 million for Nicolas Maduro's arrest, Venezuela hits back with 'Epstein Files' jibe Who is Nicolás Maduro? Nicolás Maduro is the president of Venezuela, who first came to power in 2013. He was a key figure in the country’s socialist political movement known as Chavismo, named after his predecessor and mentor, Hugo Chávez. Born on November 23, 1962, in Caracas, Maduro came from a working-class background and began his career as a bus driver before entering politics through union activism. He rose within the ranks of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) to the top position that he holds today. Maduro was chosen as the third president of the National Assembly from 2005 to 2006, he became the 24th vice president and served from 2012 to 2013 and also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2012. When Chávez died of cancer in 2013, Maduro was named his successor and narrowly won the presidential election later that year. Maduro's presidency has been marked by deep political and economic crises. Under his rule, Venezuela experienced one of the worst economic collapses in modern history, characterised by hyperinflation, widespread poverty, food and medicine shortages, and mass migration. His administration has been widely accused of authoritarianism, electoral fraud, human rights abuses, and suppressing political opposition. Despite these allegations, Maduro has remained in power, allegedly due to his control over the military and key institutions.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has a reward of $50 million on him. This will be rewarded to anyone who gives information to the US government about Maduro's whereabouts. But here's the story of why he is wanted in the US&nbsp;

Who is Nicolas Maduro? Venezuelan president targeted by the Trump administration

In what is seen as a major escalation and a step towards a possible military conflict, the United States deployed three warships off the Venezuelan coast. days after it increased bounty on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan President strongly criticised the US and condemned the deployment as an "illegal" and "immoral" attempt at “regime change”. He also accused Washington of planning a “military terrorist attack” on his country and invoked China. He further warned that any form of aggression against Venezuela should be seen as an attack on the entire Latin American and Caribbean region.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/venezuelan-citizens-enlist-in-national-militia-as-trump-steps-up-pressure-on-maduro-1756005279378/embed">https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/venezuelan-citizens-enlist-in-national-militia-as-trump-steps-up-pressure-on-maduro-1756005279378/embed</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, China voiced strong opposition to the US military buildup near Venezuela, warning against foreign interference and expressing support for Maduro. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that any actions violating a nation’s sovereignty or the UN Charter are unacceptable. As per reports, the United States is deploying three Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyers—USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson. The Donald Trump administration has amped up its attack on Maduro stating that it is an effort to target drug cartels in Latin America and protect American citizens.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offers-whopping-50-million-for-nicolas-maduro-s-arrest-venezuela-hits-back-with-epstein-files-jibe-1754619045813">US offers whopping $50 million for Nicolas Maduro's arrest, Venezuela hits back with 'Epstein Files' jibe</a><h2>Maduro mentions China</h2>In a big message to US, Maduro referenced China during a public address on education. While speaking at the closing ceremony of the “First Pedagogical Congress of Bolivarian Teachers,” he introduced his new smartphone—a Huawei device he claimed was a gift from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Maduro highlighted the capabilities of the phone, stating he communicates with Xi via satellite using the device. In a light-hearted moment, Maduro mimicked a phone call in Mandarin, saying “Ni hao, ni hao” (hello) and “Xiexie, xiexie” (thank you), drawing attention to Venezuela’s growing ties with China.<h2>Why Nicolás Maduro is wanted in the US?</h2>Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s president since 2013, rose from a working-class background and union activism to lead the United Socialist Party, succeeding Hugo Chávez. His presidency has been plagued by economic collapse, hyperinflation, poverty, and political repression, prompting widespread international criticism. Countries like the US and EU have accused him of election fraud and authoritarianism, while allies like Russia, China, and Iran continue to support him. The U.S. considers Maduro a major drug trafficker, linking him to a 2016 case where his wife’s nephews were convicted of cocaine trafficking. It’s alleged drug money helped fund Maduro’s earlier political campaigns. Several top Venezuelan officials close to Maduro have also faced US sanctions for drug smuggling and ties to terrorist groups.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-sends-3-warships-near-venezuela-coast-maduro-to-mobile-millions-in-militia-1755759525086">U.S. sends 3 warships near Venezuela coast | Maduro to mobile millions in militia</a>&nbsp;In 2020, the US charged Maduro with narco-terrorism and offered a $15 million reward for his capture, accusing him of conspiring to flood the U.S. with cocaine to undermine public health and national security. The United States has raised the reward for the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million, labeling him as a major drug trafficker. This is a significant increase from the previous $25 million bounty, reflecting growing U.S. efforts to bring him to justice. Maduro was first indicted in a Manhattan federal court in 2020 during Donald Trump's presidency, when the initial reward was set at $15 million. Later, under President Joe Biden’s administration, the amount was raised to $25 million and has now doubled.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-50-million-reward-who-is-nicol-s-maduro-and-why-is-venezuelan-president-wanted-in-us-1754622441247">'$50 MILLION REWARD': Who is Nicolás Maduro and why is Venezuelan President wanted in US?</a>

Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro condemned the US deployment of warships near Venezuela as illegal regime change, while China backed him. The US deployed three destroyers targeting drug cartels after increasing Maduro’s arrest bounty to $50M 

In what is seen as a major escalation and a step towards a possible military conflict, the United States deployed three warships off the Venezuelan coast. days after it increased bounty on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan President strongly criticised the US and condemned the deployment as an "illegal" and "immoral" attempt at “regime change”. He also accused Washington of planning a “military terrorist attack” on his country and invoked China. He further warned that any form of aggression against Venezuela should be seen as an attack on the entire Latin American and Caribbean region. https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/venezuelan-citizens-enlist-in-national-militia-as-trump-steps-up-pressure-on-maduro-1756005279378/embed Meanwhile, China voiced strong opposition to the US military buildup near Venezuela, warning against foreign interference and expressing support for Maduro. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that any actions violating a nation’s sovereignty or the UN Charter are unacceptable. As per reports, the United States is deploying three Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyers—USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson. The Donald Trump administration has amped up its attack on Maduro stating that it is an effort to target drug cartels in Latin America and protect American citizens. Read More | US offers whopping $50 million for Nicolas Maduro's arrest, Venezuela hits back with 'Epstein Files' jibe Maduro mentions China In a big message to US, Maduro referenced China during a public address on education. While speaking at the closing ceremony of the “First Pedagogical Congress of Bolivarian Teachers,” he introduced his new smartphone—a Huawei device he claimed was a gift from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Maduro highlighted the capabilities of the phone, stating he communicates with Xi via satellite using the device. In a light-hearted moment, Maduro mimicked a phone call in Mandarin, saying “Ni hao, ni hao” (hello) and “Xiexie, xiexie” (thank you), drawing attention to Venezuela’s growing ties with China. Why Nicolás Maduro is wanted in the US? Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s president since 2013, rose from a working-class background and union activism to lead the United Socialist Party, succeeding Hugo Chávez. His presidency has been plagued by economic collapse, hyperinflation, poverty, and political repression, prompting widespread international criticism. Countries like the US and EU have accused him of election fraud and authoritarianism, while allies like Russia, China, and Iran continue to support him. The U.S. considers Maduro a major drug trafficker, linking him to a 2016 case where his wife’s nephews were convicted of cocaine trafficking. It’s alleged drug money helped fund Maduro’s earlier political campaigns. Several top Venezuelan officials close to Maduro have also faced US sanctions for drug smuggling and ties to terrorist groups. Read More | U.S. sends 3 warships near Venezuela coast | Maduro to mobile millions in militia In 2020, the US charged Maduro with narco-terrorism and offered a $15 million reward for his capture, accusing him of conspiring to flood the U.S. with cocaine to undermine public health and national security. The United States has raised the reward for the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million, labeling him as a major drug trafficker. This is a significant increase from the previous $25 million bounty, reflecting growing U.S. efforts to bring him to justice. Maduro was first indicted in a Manhattan federal court in 2020 during Donald Trump's presidency, when the initial reward was set at $15 million. Later, under President Joe Biden’s administration, the amount was raised to $25 million and has now doubled. Read More | '$50 MILLION REWARD': Who is Nicolás Maduro and why is Venezuelan President wanted in US?

Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro condemned the US deployment of warships near Venezuela as illegal regime change, while China backed him. The US deployed three destroyers targeting drug cartels after increasing Maduro’s arrest bounty to $50M&nbsp;

Why has US stationed 3 warships off Venezuela coast? Nicolas Maduro slams 'regime change attempts', mentions China

Courts in Argentina and Venezuela issued warrants for the arrests of each other's presidents on Monday amid a showdown between "anarcho-capitalist" leader Javier Milei and socialist strongman Nicolas Maduro.

Courts in Argentina and Venezuela issued warrants for the arrests of each other's presidents on Monday amid a showdown between "anarcho-capitalist" leader Javier Milei and socialist strongman Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela was first off the mark with its warrant for Argentina's Milei over what it called the "theft" of a Venezuelan plane seized in Buenos Aires for alleged sanctions violations. A court in Caracas also issued warrants for Argentina's Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and Karina Milei, the president's sister and presidential advisor. In a tit-for-tat measure hours later, an Argentine court ordered the arrest of Venezuela's Maduro and dozens of aides for crimes against humanity. Significantly, the court also asked international police organisation Interpol to issue a red notice for their capture, local media reported. The federal court in Buenos Aires accused Venezuela's leaders of organising the kidnap and torture of Venezuelan citizens, the reports added. The court invoked the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows countries to prosecute certain serious crimes regardless of where they took place. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello is among those sought. Watch | Venezuela: 'US plot to destabilise Maduro government' × Polar opposites Venezuela has repeatedly locked horns with Argentina, where Milei, a vocal critic of Maduro-style socialism, took office last December. Argentina was among dozens of countries not to recognise Maduro's claim of reelection victory in a July 28 vote which the opposition said it can prove he stole. Argentina -- whose embassy in Caracas is sheltering Venezuelan opposition officials -- was among seven Latin American countries with which Caracas severed ties after the election. The arrest warrant issued by Venezuela for Milei relates to a cargo plane owned by Venezuelan company Emtrasur, which was seized after landing in Argentina in June 2022, before Milei took office. An Argentine judge then granted a request for the United States to seize the plane on grounds that laws were broken when Iran sold it to Venezuela. Both countries are under US sanctions. Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice on Monday accused Milei of aggravated robbery, unlawful detention and "unlawful interference with the operational safety of civil aviation." Also read | Maduro warns Venezuelan dissidents of 'tun-tun operations', calls against use of WhatsApp The arrest warrant was seen as largely symbolic, as it is unlikely Milei will set foot in Venezuela, which is the only country where the warrant applies. Maduro's regime has lashed out repeatedly over the past week at its critics, notably accusing the United States of plotting to overthrow late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez's handpicked successor. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Argentina court orders arrest of Venezuela's Maduro in a tit-for-tat move

A Venezuelan state governor, who once served as defence minister for former President Hugo Chavez has died, officials said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Gen Jorge Luis García Carneiro was 69.&nbsp;

The death was confirmed in a string of tweets from senior officials, including President Nicolás Maduro, who called him 'a friend, a brother for life’.&nbsp;

No cause was listed and García Carneiro himself had been active on social media sites in recent days, giving no sign of problems. He appeared with Maduro at an event on Thursday.&nbsp;

The general served as defence minister from January 2004 to July 2005 and also held other cabinet posts, as well as serving as governor of La Guaira state since 2008 for the governing socialist party.&nbsp;

He was among four Venezuelan governors sanctioned by the US.&nbsp;

Treasury Department in February 2019 for alleged 'endemic corruption' and blocking aid shipments backed by the US and domestic opposition.&nbsp;

He is survived by his wife and five children. &nbsp;

A Venezuelan state governor, who once served as defence minister for former President Hugo Chavez has died, officials said on Saturday. Gen Jorge Luis García Carneiro was 69.

A Venezuelan state governor, who once served as defence minister for former President Hugo Chavez has died, officials said on Saturday. Gen Jorge Luis García Carneiro was 69. The death was confirmed in a string of tweets from senior officials, including President Nicolás Maduro, who called him 'a friend, a brother for life’. No cause was listed and García Carneiro himself had been active on social media sites in recent days, giving no sign of problems. He appeared with Maduro at an event on Thursday. The general served as defence minister from January 2004 to July 2005 and also held other cabinet posts, as well as serving as governor of La Guaira state since 2008 for the governing socialist party. He was among four Venezuelan governors sanctioned by the US. Treasury Department in February 2019 for alleged 'endemic corruption' and blocking aid shipments backed by the US and domestic opposition. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Venezuelan governor, former defence minister, dies 

A tug-of-war over $1 billion (£770.4 million) worth of Venezuelan gold stored at the Bank of England took a new turn on Monday as the English Court of Appeal overturned an earlier High Court ruling on who the UK recognised as Venezuela's president.

The Court of Appeal granted the Nicolas&nbsp;Maduro-backed Banco Central de Venezuela’s (BCV) appeal and set aside July's High Court judgement, which had found that Britain's recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaidó as "constitutional interim president of Venezuela" was conclusive.

The BCV sued the Bank of England in May to recover control of the gold, which it says it will sell to finance Venezuela's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The BoE has refused to release the gold, however, after the British government in early 2019 joined dozens of nations in backing Guaido on the basis that&nbsp;Maduro's election win the previous year had been rigged.

Monday's decision means the case now goes back to the High Court for it to determine more definitively which of the two rival leaders is in charge.

Monday's judgment said it was necessary to determine whether "(1) the UK government recognises Mr Guaidó as President of Venezuela for all purposes and therefore does not recognise Mr&nbsp;Maduro&nbsp;as President for any purpose.

"Or (2) HMG (the UK government) recognises Mr Guaidó as entitled to be the President of Venezuela and thus entitled to exercise all the powers of the President but also recognises Mr&nbsp;Maduro&nbsp;as the person who does in fact exercise some or all of the powers of the President of Venezuela."

Vanessa Neumann, the ambassador designated by Guaidó for Britain and Ireland, told reporters that the court could issue a new pronouncement within a week or two, but added that the process could be delayed by other appeals.

The BCV has said the proceeds from the sale of the gold would be transferred directly to the United Nations Development Programme to procure humanitarian aid, medicine and equipment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Central Bank of Venezuela reaffirms that it will continue carrying out all actions necessary to protect its sovereign international reserves and the sacred patrimony of the Republic," it wrote in a statement in response to the decision.

Venezuela's opposition has alleged that&nbsp;Maduro&nbsp;wants to use the money to pay off his foreign allies, which his lawyers deny.

Over the past two years,&nbsp;Maduro’s government has taken some 30 tonnes from its local gold reserves to sell abroad for much-needed hard currency, according to people familiar with the operations and the bank’s own data.

A tug-of-war over $1 billion (£770.4 million) worth of Venezuelan gold stored at the Bank of England took a new turn on Monday as the English Court of Appeal overturned an earlier High Court ruling on who the UK recognised as Venezuela's president.

A tug-of-war over $1 billion (£770.4 million) worth of Venezuelan gold stored at the Bank of England took a new turn on Monday as the English Court of Appeal overturned an earlier High Court ruling on who the UK recognised as Venezuela's president. The Court of Appeal granted the Nicolas Maduro-backed Banco Central de Venezuela’s (BCV) appeal and set aside July's High Court judgement, which had found that Britain's recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaidó as "constitutional interim president of Venezuela" was conclusive. The BCV sued the Bank of England in May to recover control of the gold, which it says it will sell to finance Venezuela's response to the coronavirus pandemic. The BoE has refused to release the gold, however, after the British government in early 2019 joined dozens of nations in backing Guaido on the basis that Maduro's election win the previous year had been rigged. Monday's decision means the case now goes back to the High Court for it to determine more definitively which of the two rival leaders is in charge. Monday's judgment said it was necessary to determine whether "(1) the UK government recognises Mr Guaidó as President of Venezuela for all purposes and therefore does not recognise Mr Maduro as President for any purpose. "Or (2) HMG (the UK government) recognises Mr Guaidó as entitled to be the President of Venezuela and thus entitled to exercise all the powers of the President but also recognises Mr Maduro as the person who does in fact exercise some or all of the powers of the President of Venezuela." Vanessa Neumann, the ambassador designated by Guaidó for Britain and Ireland, told reporters that the court could issue a new pronouncement within a week or two, but added that the process could be delayed by other appeals. The BCV has said the proceeds from the sale of the gold would be transferred directly to the United Nations Development Programme to procure humanitarian aid, medicine and equipment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. "The Central Bank of Venezuela reaffirms that it will continue carrying out all actions necessary to protect its sovereign international reserves and the sacred patrimony of the Republic," it wrote in a statement in response to the decision. Venezuela's opposition has alleged that Maduro wants to use the money to pay off his foreign allies, which his lawyers deny. Over the past two years, Maduro’s government has taken some 30 tonnes from its local gold reserves to sell abroad for much-needed hard currency, according to people familiar with the operations and the bank’s own data.

UK court overturns Venezuela judgment in $1 billion gold tug-of-war

The announcement follows the arrival of Iranian tankers loaded with millions of barrels of gasoline as Venezuela faces a crippling fuel shortage

Venezuela's new gasoline system is a failure?

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist. Guaido returned on Tuesday from a three-week international tour that took him to the US, Canada, Colombia and Europe. He was met by some angry Conviasa workers enraged that last Friday the US placed sanctions on the state airline company. The US action criminalizing transactions with the flag carrier is the latest of many sanctions by Washington aimed at toppling leftist President Nicolas Maduro's regime, particularly by cutting his government's oil revenue. One protester appeared to douse Guaido with a fizzy drink. But speaking to journalists after a legislative session held in a Caracas plaza, the National Assembly speaker defended the use of sanctions. Guaido's uncle Juan Marquez, who vanished after flying back with him, had been arrested, top Maduro ally Diosdado Cabello said, accusing him of smuggling explosives. Also Read: Venezuela's Guaido calls for more protests against Maduro On his state television programme, Cabello said Marquez was detained for allegedly carrying C-4 explosives hidden inside flashlights and perfume refills, and was wearing a bulletproof vest. Guaido had denounced the "disappearance" of his uncle at the airport and said he would hold Maduro responsible for whatever happened to him. More sanctions for criminals Maduro retains the support of Venezuela's powerful military and has resisted Guaido's challenge, even as the United States ramps up the pressure. For the second time in less than a year, Guaido flouted a travel ban imposed by Maduro's regime to meet with allies around the world, including US President Donald Trump. Guaido sprang to prominence in January 2019 when he declared himself the country's acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro. He derived such authority from his position as the speaker of the National Assembly after the legislature declared Maduro's 2018 re-election invalid following a poll widely denounced as rigged. Lawmakers called Maduro a "usurper" while more than 50 countries recognized Guaido as interim president. He retained his Assembly post last month despite a standoff in which troops stopped him from entering the legislature. Watch: Donald Trump calls Juan Guaido as true President of Venezuela Although it sits on the world's largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela's economy has collapsed under Maduro's leadership and the country has suffered five years of recession. The UN says more than 4.5 million people have left the country due to its crisis while inflation is the highest in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund. Maduro told supporters celebrating World Youth Day that "traitors go abroad to ask for sanctions against the people." Cabello, considered the second-most powerful person in the country, said the sanctions had affected Venezuela's ability to buy food and medicine. Last year, Guaido tried to force in humanitarian aid from Colombia, Brazil and Curacao but under Maduro's orders, the military blocked entry points to keep it out. Students rallied in Caracas on Wednesday in support of Guaido, who repeated his claim from Tuesday that his uncle had disappeared since returning with him to the Caracas international airport on the same flight he took from Portugal.

Sanctions against the Maduro regime defended by Venezuela's President Guaido

Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro signalled on Sunday punishing US sanctions would only stiffen their resolve to stick together and support social change in the region.

The three leaders presided over the closing session of a solidarity conference in Havana on Sunday, a meeting that drew more than 1,300 social activists, mainly from Latin America.

The three-day meeting was called to discuss ways to defeat what organisers framed as a US imperialist-led offensive against progressive and socialist governments and movements.

Under the banner of defeating neo-liberalism and backing democracy, it took place as social unrest rocked conservative-led Chile and as conflict raged in Bolivia over a recent election that gave socialist leader Evo Morales a fourth term.

Protests also continued in Brazil over the imprisonment of popular former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, the centre-left retook power from the right in Argentina and the United States hit Venezuela and Cuba with sanctions.

Maduro and Diaz-Canel closed the meeting with addresses broadcast live by state-run television in which they ridiculed the US charges that they were behind the unrest in other countries or responsible for leftist governments.

Maduro's presence appeared designed to signal Cuba would not abandon its strategic ally despite efforts by the United States and other Western and Latin American countries to convince Havana to do so.

Maduro termed charges by the Organisation of American States that Cuba was behind the unrest in Chile “stupid”.

"It is the old Pinochet dictatorship and International Monetary Fund. The people have the right to seek an alternative," he said in a long and fiery speech.

Diaz-Canel said in an apparent reference to unrest in Chile and the Argentinian election: “They accuse us of propping up the Bolivarian (Venezuelan ) Revolution ... while they cover their eyes, ears and mouth, so as not to see, not hear, nor recognise what people are shouting in the streets: neo-liberalism is an economic failure and a social disaster.”

"Trump and his court of old hawks attack the Cuban Revolution; the Bolivarian Revolution; the Sandinistas; the Brazilian, Bolivian, Argentine leftist political leaderships and social, popular, progressive movements throughout the region,"&nbsp;he said.

The Cuban president accused the United states of laying siege to his country by sanctioning third parties who do business with it, urging those present to double their efforts in its defence.

Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro signalled on Sunday punishing US sanctions would only stiffen their resolve to stick together and support social change in the region.

Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro signalled on Sunday punishing US sanctions would only stiffen their resolve to stick together and support social change in the region. The three leaders presided over the closing session of a solidarity conference in Havana on Sunday, a meeting that drew more than 1,300 social activists, mainly from Latin America. The three-day meeting was called to discuss ways to defeat what organisers framed as a US imperialist-led offensive against progressive and socialist governments and movements. Under the banner of defeating neo-liberalism and backing democracy, it took place as social unrest rocked conservative-led Chile and as conflict raged in Bolivia over a recent election that gave socialist leader Evo Morales a fourth term. Protests also continued in Brazil over the imprisonment of popular former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, the centre-left retook power from the right in Argentina and the United States hit Venezuela and Cuba with sanctions. Maduro and Diaz-Canel closed the meeting with addresses broadcast live by state-run television in which they ridiculed the US charges that they were behind the unrest in other countries or responsible for leftist governments. Maduro's presence appeared designed to signal Cuba would not abandon its strategic ally despite efforts by the United States and other Western and Latin American countries to convince Havana to do so. Maduro termed charges by the Organisation of American States that Cuba was behind the unrest in Chile “stupid”. "It is the old Pinochet dictatorship and International Monetary Fund. The people have the right to seek an alternative," he said in a long and fiery speech. Diaz-Canel said in an apparent reference to unrest in Chile and the Argentinian election: “They accuse us of propping up the Bolivarian (Venezuelan ) Revolution ... while they cover their eyes, ears and mouth, so as not to see, not hear, nor recognise what people are shouting in the streets: neo-liberalism is an economic failure and a social disaster.” "Trump and his court of old hawks attack the Cuban Revolution; the Bolivarian Revolution; the Sandinistas; the Brazilian, Bolivian, Argentine leftist political leaderships and social, popular, progressive movements throughout the region," he said. The Cuban president accused the United states of laying siege to his country by sanctioning third parties who do business with it, urging those present to double their efforts in its defence.

Cuba lashes Trump, issues rallying cry to fight imperialism

By Natalia Garcia Bonet

It appeared to be a confrontation between humanitarianism and military force. In February, the Venezuelan government placed troops along the country’s border with Colombia to block the entry of humanitarian aid coming from the US and supported by the opposition leader, Juan Guaido.

The blockade was widely covered by the news and sparked controversy when the trucks carrying the supplies were accidentally burned during the clashes between the military and those trying to clear their passage.

Similar scenes were repeated on Venezuela’s border with Brazil – albeit with even more tragic consequences. There, the military convoy sent to guard the border was stopped by the local indigenous police in the Pemon community of Kumarakapay – in the Gran Sabana national park, an area considered official indigenous territory. The military opened fire, resulting in at least two casualties. Zoraida Rodriguez – an indigenous woman – was killed in her own home.

The unrest at the border between Venezuela and Brazil, however, received much less media attention than the troubles at the Colombian border – partly because events didn’t fit the western media’s dominant narratives about Venezuela.

These mainly focus on the country’s failing economy, and the threat of a potential US military intervention, based on America’s historic record of involvement in other Latin American nations. In the West, the story is often portrayed as a dispute between the troubled Venezuelan government and US imperialism, assuming the Venezuelan nation is internally homogenous. But this ignores the contentious relationship that many Venezuelans, indigenous people included, have historically had with the government.

A matter of sovereignty

The confrontations between Pemon indigenous people and the military along the Brazilian border, then, should also be understood as an issue of sovereignty over indigenous territories. Indeed, they also stand in sharp contrast to the Venezuelan government’s own rhetoric, which positions the state as a champion of the indigenous cause.

National sovereignty has been a recurrent theme of Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution, which was proclaimed by former president Hugo Chavez. This movement espouses socialist policies and a resistance to foreign, particularly US, interference. But the history of indigenous resistance to colonial invasion has also been used by both Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro (who took power in 2013), to symbolise this defiance of foreign intervention.

In 1998, Hugo Chavez gained power with the highest electoral margin in 40 years. His victory was partly because he included marginal populations, such as indigenous people, in his Bolivarian nation-building project.

In fact, many indigenous peoples in Venezuela initially saw their incorporation into the Venezuelan nation as part of the Bolivarian Revolution. The 1999 constitution, for example, was the first to provide a host of rights for indigenous groups, including “native rights over the land”.

In the 20 years that have elapsed since then, however, many of the state’s promises regarding indigenous people and their territories remain largely unfulfilled and disaffection among them is growing.

Digging in

Historically, state expansion into indigenous territories in the south of the country has been linked to natural resources, particularly gold and bauxite, which are abundant in the area. Since colonial times, policing and regional control have been used by the state to exert its monopoly over mining resources.

This hasn’t changed much under the Bolivarian governments since 1998. In 2016, for example, the government launched a large-scale and widespread mining project to combat the economic crisis. This project has resulted in the increased militarisation of mining areas in the north of Bolivar and Amazonas states, near indigenous territories.

In the early 2000s, during the early years of Chavez’s revolution, the authorities’ presence in indigenous territories, such as the area of Gran Sabana – where Zoraida Rodriguez was killed during the recent unrest – was cast in a more “benevolent” light. The state still enforced its control through a heavy police presence, but a number of special programmes (misiones) were also set up by the government, which benefited many local people through goods and other forms of aid. The programmes were made possible thanks to high international oil prices, and reached remote areas of the territory which had been overlooked by previous governments.

Since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2015, however, state aid has reduced, and now reaches indigenous territories only intermittently, or not at all. The military presence, on the other hand, has increased. The result of this is a breakdown of the relationship between the Venezuelan state and indigenous people, and a return to the longstanding struggle over territory and mining resources.

The February confrontations between the military and indigenous people over the entry of US aid are symptomatic of this increasingly contentious relationship. These tensions have been exacerbated by the internal contradictions of the Bolivarian Revolution, which seemingly acknowledges indigenous people’s autonomy and rights over their lands, while simultaneously exercising control over the territory they occupy in the name of national sovereignty. And with the economy in freefall, things may only get worse.

 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/venezuela-indigenous-people-are-forgotten-victims-of-crisis-115724">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

By Natalia Garcia Bonet It appeared to be a confrontation between humanitarianism and military force. In February, the Venezuelan government placed troops along the country’s border with Colombia to block the entry of humanitarian aid coming from the US and supported by the opposition leader, Juan Guaido.

By Natalia Garcia Bonet It appeared to be a confrontation between humanitarianism and military force. In February, the Venezuelan government placed troops along the country’s border with Colombia to block the entry of humanitarian aid coming from the US and supported by the opposition leader, Juan Guaido. The blockade was widely covered by the news and sparked controversy when the trucks carrying the supplies were accidentally burned during the clashes between the military and those trying to clear their passage. Similar scenes were repeated on Venezuela’s border with Brazil – albeit with even more tragic consequences. There, the military convoy sent to guard the border was stopped by the local indigenous police in the Pemon community of Kumarakapay – in the Gran Sabana national park, an area considered official indigenous territory. The military opened fire, resulting in at least two casualties. Zoraida Rodriguez – an indigenous woman – was killed in her own home. The unrest at the border between Venezuela and Brazil, however, received much less media attention than the troubles at the Colombian border – partly because events didn’t fit the western media’s dominant narratives about Venezuela. These mainly focus on the country’s failing economy, and the threat of a potential US military intervention, based on America’s historic record of involvement in other Latin American nations. In the West, the story is often portrayed as a dispute between the troubled Venezuelan government and US imperialism, assuming the Venezuelan nation is internally homogenous. But this ignores the contentious relationship that many Venezuelans, indigenous people included, have historically had with the government. A matter of sovereignty The confrontations between Pemon indigenous people and the military along the Brazilian border, then, should also be understood as an issue of sovereignty over indigenous territories. Indeed, they also stand in sharp contrast to the Venezuelan government’s own rhetoric, which positions the state as a champion of the indigenous cause. National sovereignty has been a recurrent theme of Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution, which was proclaimed by former president Hugo Chavez. This movement espouses socialist policies and a resistance to foreign, particularly US, interference. But the history of indigenous resistance to colonial invasion has also been used by both Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro (who took power in 2013), to symbolise this defiance of foreign intervention. In 1998, Hugo Chavez gained power with the highest electoral margin in 40 years. His victory was partly because he included marginal populations, such as indigenous people, in his Bolivarian nation-building project. In fact, many indigenous peoples in Venezuela initially saw their incorporation into the Venezuelan nation as part of the Bolivarian Revolution. The 1999 constitution, for example, was the first to provide a host of rights for indigenous groups, including “native rights over the land”. In the 20 years that have elapsed since then, however, many of the state’s promises regarding indigenous people and their territories remain largely unfulfilled and disaffection among them is growing. Digging in Historically, state expansion into indigenous territories in the south of the country has been linked to natural resources, particularly gold and bauxite, which are abundant in the area. Since colonial times, policing and regional control have been used by the state to exert its monopoly over mining resources. This hasn’t changed much under the Bolivarian governments since 1998. In 2016, for example, the government launched a large-scale and widespread mining project to combat the economic crisis. This project has resulted in the increased militarisation of mining areas in the north of Bolivar and Amazonas states, near indigenous territories. In the early 2000s, during the early years of Chavez’s revolution, the authorities’ presence in indigenous territories, such as the area of Gran Sabana – where Zoraida Rodriguez was killed during the recent unrest – was cast in a more “benevolent” light. The state still enforced its control through a heavy police presence, but a number of special programmes (misiones) were also set up by the government, which benefited many local people through goods and other forms of aid. The programmes were made possible thanks to high international oil prices, and reached remote areas of the territory which had been overlooked by previous governments. Since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2015, however, state aid has reduced, and now reaches indigenous territories only intermittently, or not at all. The military presence, on the other hand, has increased. The result of this is a breakdown of the relationship between the Venezuelan state and indigenous people, and a return to the longstanding struggle over territory and mining resources. The February confrontations between the military and indigenous people over the entry of US aid are symptomatic of this increasingly contentious relationship. These tensions have been exacerbated by the internal contradictions of the Bolivarian Revolution, which seemingly acknowledges indigenous people’s autonomy and rights over their lands, while simultaneously exercising control over the territory they occupy in the name of national sovereignty. And with the economy in freefall, things may only get worse. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

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