The US Southern Command said it carried out a strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing two people. US officials allege the boat was involved in narco-trafficking operations, though further details about the occupants have not been released. The incident forms part of ongoing US efforts to disrupt drug trafficking routes in the Pacific region, even as questions continue over the use of military force in counter-narcotics operations.


US Military Says It Struck Vessel In Eastern Pacific, Killing Two | WION

Pro-government protests have erupted in Caracas as demonstrators demand the release of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following his capture by US forces earlier in January. Thousands of supporters marched through the capital, carrying portraits of Maduro and calling for his freedom, in a show of loyalty to the embattled leader and opposition to foreign intervention.


US-Venezuela Tensions: Pro-Maduro Protests Erupt In Caracas Demanding His Release | WION

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced the release of 626 prisoners, exceeding estimates from rights groups amid post-Maduro transition pressures.


Venezuela Frees 626 Prisoners, Rodríguez Confirms

U.S. Control over Venezuela’s oil exports is reshaping the country’s fragile debt landscape.



Venezuela Debt Restructuring Faces New Risks

The U.S. military said Friday that it has carried out a deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the first known attack since the raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.

US-Venezuela Tensions: US Conducts First Strike on Alleged Drug Boat Since Maduro’s Capture

Before the US military snatched Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, earlier this month, Delcy Rodríguez and her powerful brother pledged to cooperate with the Trump administration. 


Report: Delcy Rodriguez Talks to US Before Maduro Ops | Qatar Channel Used for Talks |

Venezuelan health workers are protesting the detention of colleagues amid a broader crackdown following Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. forces three weeks ago.


Venezuela Health Workers Rally Against Maduro Ally Detentions

Fresh reports suggest Donald Trump’s team may be turning its focus to Cuba after Venezuela, with Washington allegedly exploring regime-change options in Havana. 


US vs Cuba: US Seeking Regime Change In Cuba? Cuba Defiant Amid Trump's Threats 

US seeking regime change in Cuba? After Venezuela, Cuba on Trump's target?

The head of Venezuela’s main business association said the group welcomes the economic measures announced so far ​by the country's interim government, including a fresh injection of foreign currency funded by oil revenues, ‌saying the moves will help stabilize the exchange market and prices.

Venezuela: Dollar Flow Could Stabilise Venezuela's Economy

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez plans a historic US visit—the first by a sitting leader in over 25 years-signaling thawed ties after U.S. Delta Force seized Nicolas Maduro for narcotrafficking charges. Rodriguez pledged "dialogue without fear," allowing U.S.-brokered oil sales, foreign investment, and prisoner releases despite her sanctions, as Trump prioritizes Venezuela's vast reserves over full regime change. 


Delcy Rodriguez to Visit U.S.: "Dialogue Without Fear"

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday predicted a rapid economic turnaround for Venezuela, telling global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the South American country would “make more money in six months than it did in six years.”

Trump at Davos: Venezuela is Going To Make More Money in 6 Months

U.S. intelligence scrutiny over Venezuela is intensifying as reports say interim President Delcy Rodríguez has been on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s radar for years. Watch for more on this!


US-Venezuela tensions: Venezuelan interim president on US radar?

Oil prices are swinging between geopolitics and fundamentals. Crude briefly surged to multi-month highs on fears of possible U.S. strikes on Iran, before retreating as concerns over a global supply glut resurfaced.


Oil Caught Between Conflict & Excess Supply | World Business Watch

Venezuela Aids Military Housing After Deadly US Operation 

Cabello is named in the same US drug-trafficking indictment that the Trump administration used as justification to arrest Maduro.

Washington's Back-Channel Talks with Maduro's Close Aid

Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared no concessions in U.S. talks on January 12, 2026, vowing not to be intimidated by Trump's threats post-Venezuela intervention, with thousands rallying outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana to affirm sovereignty.

Cuba vs U.S.: Thousands Rally Outside US Embassy in Havana

President Donald Trump expressed newfound fondness for Venezuela on January 16, 2026, stating "Now I like Venezuela very much" on Truth Social after CIA Director John Ratcliffe's meeting with interim leader Delcy Rodríguez signaled warming ties post-Maduro.


Trump: "Now I Like Venezuela Very Much"

Venezuela's opposition leader María Corina Machado expressed strong confidence on January 16, 2026, in a smooth democratic transition, crediting U.S. support under President Trump despite his backing of interim leader Delcy Rodríguez.


Machado Confident: Venezuela Transition On Track

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced reforms centralizing oil dollar revenues into two sovereign funds on January 15, 2026, to stabilize the bolivar and fund reconstruction amid post-Maduro recovery.


Venezuela Pools Oil Dollars in Stability Funds

President Donald Trump praised his "great relationship" with Venezuela's interim government under Delcy Rodríguez following CIA Director John Ratcliffe's meeting with her in Caracas on January 15, 2026. The talks focused on intelligence sharing, anti-narcotics cooperation, and economic stabilization after Maduro's ouster, signaling a U.S. pivot toward collaboration.


Trump Hails 'Great Ties' After CIA Meets Venezuela Leader

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodríguez stated that oil sale proceeds will flow through the central bank to private institutions, aiming to stabilize the bolivar and fuel economic recovery. This channels $300 million from a U.S.-brokered $500 million Qatar-held tranche to four banks for importer dollar sales, bypassing past sanction hurdles post-Maduro. 

Delcy: Oil Revenues to Flow Via Venezuela Central Bank

Trump recently praised his improving ties with Venezuela's interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez following high-level U.S. engagements.


Trump Hails 'Great Relationship' with Venezuela's Interim Leadership

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodríguez boldly challenges U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring no fear of diplomatic clashes while signaling a new course post-Maduro's U.S.-led ouster. 


Venezuela vs Trump: Delcy Rodríguez: Ready for Diplomatic Fight with U.S.

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