US President Donald Trump has said that Venezuela is not yet ready for elections, while praising the country's recent economic progress, particularly its recovering oil industry. Trump credited Venezuela's acting leadership for improving oil production and claimed the country's economy had significantly recovered. However, he said elections would only take place when conditions are right. His remarks come as Venezuela continues to recover from devastating twin earthquakes that have claimed more than 5,398 lives, with thousands still displaced. At the same time, Caracas has announced its decision to permanently withdraw from the International

Trump on Venezuela Elections | Says country 'not ready yet' | US News 

Venezuela's former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are set to face trial in the United States after a federal judge scheduled the start of proceedings for June 1, 2027. The couple appeared in a US federal court more than six months after being captured during a US military operation. Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearms charges. The defense is expected to challenge the legality of their capture and argue claims related to immunity from prosecution.

The case has sparked strong reactions, with supporters of Maduro demanding his release while opponents accuse him of dictatorship and supporting criminal activities. Watch the latest updates on Maduro's US trial, Venezuela politics, international law, and global affairs.

US Court sets trial date for Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro and Wife | Drug Trafficking Case

In a disturbing turn, a 33-year-old Indian seafarer who died in Venezuela was found to have missing internal organs after the second post-mortem conducted in India. The family of the deceased, identified as Rakesh Chauhan, a resident of Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district, has demanded a thorough investigation into the incidents surrounding his death. In response to the post-mortem results, the Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India (FSUI) has demanded accountability from Venezuelan officials and intervention by the Indian Embassy. Chauhan, employed on a merchant navy vessel, reportedly died from a cardiac arrest in Venezuela in May. However, his family stated that when his remains were repatriated to India, they were not provided with an autopsy report or official details explaining the circumstances of his death In a post on X, the FSUI said the family sought a second post-mortem examination after the body arrived in Deoria. The organisation claimed that the examination conducted in India found that all internal organs had been removed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚠️ SHOCKING CASE — Indian Seafarer <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RakeshChauhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RakeshChauhan</a> reported dead in <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Venezuela?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Venezuela</a>. Mortal remains sent back to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh without any autopsy report or details from Venezuelan authorities. Family demanded re-autopsy. The official Post-Mortem Report conducted in… <a href="https://t.co/4dGSZtPEfp">pic.twitter.com/4dGSZtPEfp</a>&mdash; FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) <a href="https://x.com/FSUIINDIA/status/2071893044794687954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-bullet-train-to-moon-mission-what-are-the-key-india-japan-projects-shaping-strategic-ties-1782884414340">From bullet train to moon mission: What are key India-Japan projects shaping strategic ties?</a><h3>Several organs missing</h3>According to the FSUI, the missing organs included the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach, intestines, thyroid, hyoid bone, larynx and trachea. The body allegedly bore extensive surgical stitching, with a 22-stitch incision running from the neck to the pubic region and another 21 stitches stretching from one ear to the other. The organisation further stated that the body had remained in deep freeze for nearly a month. It said no signs of ante-mortem injuries were detected and that the exact cause of death could not be established because the internal organs were absent. The FSUI argued that the condition of the body has raised concerns about transparency, the handling of Indian workers abroad and the accountability of the foreign authorities involved.

A second post-mortem allegedly found that the body was missing major organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. The body also reportedly had extensive surgical stitching, with long incisions running from the neck to the lower abdomen and across the head.

In a disturbing turn, a 33-year-old Indian seafarer who died in Venezuela was found to have missing internal organs after the second post-mortem conducted in India. The family of the deceased, identified as Rakesh Chauhan, a resident of Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district, has demanded a thorough investigation into the incidents surrounding his death. In response to the post-mortem results, the Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India (FSUI) has demanded accountability from Venezuelan officials and intervention by the Indian Embassy. Chauhan, employed on a merchant navy vessel, reportedly died from a cardiac arrest in Venezuela in May. However, his family stated that when his remains were repatriated to India, they were not provided with an autopsy report or official details explaining the circumstances of his death In a post on X, the FSUI said the family sought a second post-mortem examination after the body arrived in Deoria. The organisation claimed that the examination conducted in India found that all internal organs had been removed.

A second post-mortem allegedly found that the body was missing major organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. The body also reportedly had extensive surgical stitching, with long incisions running from the neck to the lower abdomen and across the head.

'No brain, heart, lungs...': Mystery deepens over Indian sailor's death in Venezuela as family alleges missing organs

The Trump administration is blocking Venezuela from paying the legal expenses of the abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as the pair face a bizarre, Kafkaesque trial in the US over drug-trafficking and weapons charges. Lawyers suggest that it violates the constitutional right to counsel.Attorney Barry Pollack, in a letter to the federal judge, has said that the US Treasury Department has blocked the Venezuelan Government from paying the legal fees that it is required to pay for Maduro and its first lady, Cilia Flores, by law and custom. The mail was entered into the public record on Wednesday.Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were abducted from his country in a dramatic midnight raid in early January. He was then paraded in an open vehicle throughout New York City, and then placed on a trial where both of them pleaded not guilty. On February 9, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control granted permission to Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodrigues for the payment of the legal fees of Maduro and his wife. But within 3 hours, it cancelled the authorisation granting license “without explanation”, though maintained the license for Cilia Flores.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-farsi-recruitment-iran-trump-us-iran-talks-1772082947693">CIA posts Farsi video urging Iranian to share intelligence online</a>The next hearing for the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is scheduled for March 26, 2026. The trial itself is bizarre, a bureaucratic exercise that lies outside the jurisdiction of the US federal law. US authorities at first tried to frame it as “war on drugs”, blaming a certain “Cartel de los Soles”. Caracas has questioned the legitimacy of these charges, recalling that an original indictment against Maduro for leading the so-called “Cartel de Los Soles” was withdrawn due to a lack of concrete evidence.&nbsp;Now the US is charging the President of a state who is eligible for diplomatic immunity under federal law with drug-trafficking and weapons charges. The 25-page indictment still accuses Maduro and his wife of facilitating drugs into the US and kidnapping, murdering those who owed them money. The US prosecutors understood that allowing the Venezuelan government to pay the legal fees of Maduro would make their case weak, under the argument that his capture was illegal and that, as the foreign head of a state, he is immune from prosecution under US and international law.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has blocked Venezuela from paying legal fees for deposed president Nicolás Maduro’s defence in his US drug and weapons trial, raising constitutional concerns

The Trump administration is blocking Venezuela from paying the legal expenses of the abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as the pair face a bizarre, Kafkaesque trial in the US over drug-trafficking and weapons charges. Lawyers suggest that it violates the constitutional right to counsel. Attorney Barry Pollack, in a letter to the federal judge, has said that the US Treasury Department has blocked the Venezuelan Government from paying the legal fees that it is required to pay for Maduro and its first lady, Cilia Flores, by law and custom. The mail was entered into the public record on Wednesday. Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were abducted from his country in a dramatic midnight raid in early January. He was then paraded in an open vehicle throughout New York City, and then placed on a trial where both of them pleaded not guilty. On February 9, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control granted permission to Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodrigues for the payment of the legal fees of Maduro and his wife. But within 3 hours, it cancelled the authorisation granting license “without explanation”, though maintained the license for Cilia Flores. Also Read: CIA posts Farsi video urging Iranian to share intelligence online The next hearing for the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is scheduled for March 26, 2026. The trial itself is bizarre, a bureaucratic exercise that lies outside the jurisdiction of the US federal law. US authorities at first tried to frame it as “war on drugs”, blaming a certain “Cartel de los Soles”. Caracas has questioned the legitimacy of these charges, recalling that an original indictment against Maduro for leading the so-called “Cartel de Los Soles” was withdrawn due to a lack of concrete evidence. Now the US is charging the President of a state who is eligible for diplomatic immunity under federal law with drug-trafficking and weapons charges. The 25-page indictment still accuses Maduro and his wife of facilitating drugs into the US and kidnapping, murdering those who owed them money. The US prosecutors understood that allowing the Venezuelan government to pay the legal fees of Maduro would make their case weak, under the argument that his capture was illegal and that, as the foreign head of a state, he is immune from prosecution under US and international law.

The Trump administration has blocked Venezuela from paying legal fees for deposed president Nicolás Maduro’s defence in his US drug and weapons trial, raising constitutional concerns

Trump blocks Venezuela from paying Maduro’s legal fees amid US trial

As former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro continues to be in US prison, his son Nicolas Maduro Guerra has shared a post on social media marking exactly a month of US attack on Venezuela and capture of his father and mother. In what is being called a heartfelt message by Guerra, he describes the "tough" reality of being without his father's advice, wisdom, and direct presence for 30 days and the pain he feels within. He went on to describe that Venezuelans are united and committed to the “path of Bolívar and Chávez”. He said that they still the dream of Venezuelan sovereignty. On January 3, Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured and removed from the country, leading to political transition in Venezuela.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-couldn-t-make-a-deal-with-this-guy-says-marco-rubio-at-senate-hearing-on-nicolas-maduro-s-capture-1769618389528">'You couldn’t make a deal with this guy', says Marco Rubio at Senate hearing on Nicolas Maduro’s capture</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260204/image-1770183963614.png"></figure>&nbsp;“Has it been tough? Yes, very tough. However, it is a month of certainty in the people, of feeling prepared by you to face this challenge. And of feeling sad but strengthened in you, in your serenity, your peace that you transmit to us in this moment. Here we are, Dad, with the homeland and the people united and steadfast. And when I see you again, we will give each other a hug and continue the path of Bolívar and Chávez, so that the Venezuelan family may have a dignified, happy, full, and developed life in all fields and dimensions.Long live Venezuela! Long live the homeland! Long live Nicolás Maduro Moros and Cilia Flores!” he wrote in his message.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-political-transition-from-maduro-regime-remnants-unstoppable-maria-machado-1769968808332">‘Political transition from Maduro regime remnants unstoppable’: Maria Machado</a><h2>US attacked Venezuela</h2>As the year 2026 began, Trump ordered the US military to launch Operation Absolute Resolve. It was a direct US intervention in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their compound in Caracas. Maduro and Flores were flown to New York City and charged with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. They pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court. Trump declared that he will ‘run’ Venezuela. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's acting president. While she denounced the capture of Maduro, her government has since begun releasing some political prisoners as a gesture toward “consolidating peace.” Maduro is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York. Maduro pleaded not guilty to all charges during his initial court appearance on January 5. His next scheduled court hearing is set for March 17. &nbsp;On Jan 13, Maduro's X account became accessible again, with no clarity as to who is using it on his behalf. &nbsp;

As former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro marks 30 days in US custody after a US military strike captured him and Cilia Flores, his son Maduro Guerra shared a heartfelt message about loss and Venezuelan unity. Maduro now faces federal charges in New York.

As former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro continues to be in US prison, his son Nicolas Maduro Guerra has shared a post on social media marking exactly a month of US attack on Venezuela and capture of his father and mother. In what is being called a heartfelt message by Guerra, he describes the "tough" reality of being without his father's advice, wisdom, and direct presence for 30 days and the pain he feels within. He went on to describe that Venezuelans are united and committed to the “path of Bolívar and Chávez”. He said that they still the dream of Venezuelan sovereignty. On January 3, Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured and removed from the country, leading to political transition in Venezuela. Also Read: 'You couldn’t make a deal with this guy', says Marco Rubio at Senate hearing on Nicolas Maduro’s capture “Has it been tough? Yes, very tough. However, it is a month of certainty in the people, of feeling prepared by you to face this challenge. And of feeling sad but strengthened in you, in your serenity, your peace that you transmit to us in this moment. Here we are, Dad, with the homeland and the people united and steadfast. And when I see you again, we will give each other a hug and continue the path of Bolívar and Chávez, so that the Venezuelan family may have a dignified, happy, full, and developed life in all fields and dimensions.Long live Venezuela! Long live the homeland! Long live Nicolás Maduro Moros and Cilia Flores!” he wrote in his message. Also Read: ‘Political transition from Maduro regime remnants unstoppable’: Maria Machado US attacked Venezuela As the year 2026 began, Trump ordered the US military to launch Operation Absolute Resolve. It was a direct US intervention in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their compound in Caracas. Maduro and Flores were flown to New York City and charged with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. They pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court. Trump declared that he will ‘run’ Venezuela. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's acting president. While she denounced the capture of Maduro, her government has since begun releasing some political prisoners as a gesture toward “consolidating peace.” Maduro is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York. Maduro pleaded not guilty to all charges during his initial court appearance on January 5. His next scheduled court hearing is set for March 17. On Jan 13, Maduro's X account became accessible again, with no clarity as to who is using it on his behalf.

As former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro marks 30 days in US custody after a US military strike captured him and Cilia Flores, his son Maduro Guerra shared a heartfelt message about loss and Venezuelan unity. Maduro now faces federal charges in New York.

'You will be among us sooner...': Maduro’s son marks one month since US attack on Venezuela, his parents' capture

In a major overhaul of the oil industry, Venezuela’s congress has approved a bill that opens the nation’s oil sector to privatisation. The bill which was signed into a law by acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday is largely being seen as a move succumbing under pressure from the US to open up its oil sector for foreign private investment.&nbsp;Under the new law private companies will have greater control over oil production and sales. Taxes will be eased and independent arbitration of disputes allowed, while the state will have control over oil production.&nbsp;A private company “will assume full management of the activities at its own expense, account, and risk, after demonstrating its financial and technical capacity through a business plan approved by”, said the oil industry.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attack-on-iran-raids-inside-iranian-territory-similar-to-venezuela-among-trump-s-new-options-on-table-claims-report-1769755012526">US attack on Iran: Raids inside Iranian territory, similar to Venezuela, among Trump's new options on table, claims report</a>&nbsp;However, analysts are of the view that the new law lacks clarity and that the changes, while welcome, are not sufficient to deliver the reforms sought by the US.<h2>Trump threat worked?</h2>After signing the bill Rodríguez said “We’re talking about the future. We are talking about the country that we are going to give to our children."&nbsp;The change was proposed by Rodríguez early this month, after Trump said his administration would take control of Venezuela’s oil exports and try to revamp the crumbling oil sector in the country by inviting foreign investment.&nbsp;Rodríguez proposed the changes earlier this month, after Trump said his administration would take control of Venezuela’s oil exports and revitalize the ailing industry by luring foreign investment.&nbsp;Less than a month back the US had attacked Venezuela capital, Caracas and captured the then-President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The change was proposed by Rodríguez early this month, after US President said Trump said his administration would take control of Venezuela’s oil exports and try to revamp the crumbling oil sector.

In a major overhaul of the oil industry, Venezuela’s congress has approved a bill that opens the nation’s oil sector to privatisation. The bill which was signed into a law by acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday is largely being seen as a move succumbing under pressure from the US to open up its oil sector for foreign private investment. Under the new law private companies will have greater control over oil production and sales. Taxes will be eased and independent arbitration of disputes allowed, while the state will have control over oil production. A private company “will assume full management of the activities at its own expense, account, and risk, after demonstrating its financial and technical capacity through a business plan approved by”, said the oil industry. ALSO READ: US attack on Iran: Raids inside Iranian territory, similar to Venezuela, among Trump's new options on table, claims report However, analysts are of the view that the new law lacks clarity and that the changes, while welcome, are not sufficient to deliver the reforms sought by the US. Trump threat worked? After signing the bill Rodríguez said “We’re talking about the future. We are talking about the country that we are going to give to our children." The change was proposed by Rodríguez early this month, after Trump said his administration would take control of Venezuela’s oil exports and try to revamp the crumbling oil sector in the country by inviting foreign investment. Rodríguez proposed the changes earlier this month, after Trump said his administration would take control of Venezuela’s oil exports and revitalize the ailing industry by luring foreign investment. Less than a month back the US had attacked Venezuela capital, Caracas and captured the then-President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

The change was proposed by Rodríguez early this month, after US President said Trump said his administration would take control of Venezuela’s oil exports and try to revamp the crumbling oil sector.

Venezuela succumbs to US threats?, opens oil sector to foreign investment

On Sunday (Jan 3), Elon Musk expressed his support for the people of Venezuela as the US forces conducted a surprise attack. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured from their residence. And now, Musk, who used to work in tandem with Donald Trump on his mission &nbsp;to ‘Make America Great Again’ has taken a different stance. The Starlink chief has announced to free broadband internet services to the country. Musk, who was instrumental in setting up the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), now seems not to be on the same path as President Trump.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity.&mdash; Starlink (@Starlink) <a href="https://twitter.com/Starlink/status/2007672602958197008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Musk's exit from DOGE:</h2>&nbsp;Ever since Trump assumed office for his second term, Musk has always been in the frame. The two were almost inseparable, and now there's a twist in the tale as Musk announces his time in DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) comes to an end.&nbsp;In a social media post, he made it a point to mention it was as scheduled. Is it as portrayed or just like Musk masked signs of Starship's failure with a better-phrased statement: 'lot of good data to review'. As ambiguous as it seems at the face of it, Musk wrote with clarity, "As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President Donald Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government."

Musk, who was instrumental in setting up the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), now seems not to be on the same path as President Trump.

On Sunday (Jan 3), Elon Musk expressed his support for the people of Venezuela as the US forces conducted a surprise attack. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured from their residence. And now, Musk, who used to work in tandem with Donald Trump on his mission to ‘Make America Great Again’ has taken a different stance. The Starlink chief has announced to free broadband internet services to the country. Musk, who was instrumental in setting up the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), now seems not to be on the same path as President Trump.

Musk, who was instrumental in setting up the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), now seems not to be on the same path as President Trump.

US forces capture Venezuelan leader, Musk announces support for the country

The United States is “going to run the country,” President Donald Trump said when asked who would run Venezuela after the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro in a US military action on Saturday. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” he said. “So, we don’t want to be involved with having somebody else get in and the same situation that we had for the last long period of years.” “We’re there now,” he added. “So, we’re going to stay until such time as we’re going to run it essentially until such time as a proper transition can take place.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We&#39;re going to make sure it&#39;s run properly. We&#39;re going to rebuild the oil infrastructure... We&#39;re going to make sure the people that were forced out of Venezuela by this thug are also taken care of.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/NB6J9UJdhr">pic.twitter.com/NB6J9UJdhr</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007502600757805259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-fulfilled-its-promise-says-exiled-oppn-leader-maria-corina-machado-on-maduro-s-capture-1767457216107">‘US fulfilled its promise,’ says exiled oppn leader Maria Corina Machado on Maduro’s capture</a><h2>Can’t take a chance: Trump on Venezuela leadership change</h2>&nbsp;Earlier, in an interview with Fox News, President Trump said the US is now deciding the next steps to be taken in Venezuela’s leadership change after the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Signalling an active US role, Trump told Fox News, “Well, we’re making that decision now. We can’t take a chance of letting somebody else run it and just take over what he left off, so we’re making that decision now. We’ll be involved in it very much.”&nbsp;<h2>‘We’re not afraid of boots on the ground’</h2>&nbsp;On being asked if the US running Venezuela means US troops will be on the ground, Trump said, “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground” and the “US military had boots on the ground last night at a very high level”.“We’re going to make sure that country is run properly,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/%E2%80%98It%20was%20a%20brilliant%20operation,%E2%80%99%20says%20Trump%20after%20US%20captures%20Maduro%20and%20his%20wife">‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</a>&nbsp;On being asked what exact mechanism he will be using to run the country, Trump said, “We’re designating people right now” and “we’re going to let you know who those people are”.He then gestured his hand towards himself and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and said, “It’s largely going to be for a period time the people that are standing right behind me.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-venezuela-s-heavily-guarded-president-evaded-attacks-until-his-capture-1767440422870">Maduro’s fortress: Venezuelan president’s personal security apparatus that blocked attacks for years before eventual capture</a><h2>US companies will enter Venezuela, make money for it, says Trump</h2>&nbsp;Donald Trump said in the news conference that the US companies will enter Venezuela, spend billions and start “making money for the country.” Trump added that the South American country’s oil business has been a “bust”.The “partnership” will make the people “rich, independent and safe,” Trump said.The US is “ready” to stage a second “and much larger” attack on the country if needed, he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inside-delta-force-elite-us-military-unit-that-captured-venezuela-s-president-1767436593484">Inside Delta Force, elite US military unit that captured Venezuela’s president</a>&nbsp;Replying to a question as to how running a country in South America was consistent with his “America first” policy, Teump said, “Well, I think it is, because we want to surround ourselves with good neighbors. We want to surround ourselves with stability…with energy. We have tremendous energy in that country. It’s very important that we protect it.”“We need that for ourselves, we need that for the world and we want to make sure we can protect it,” he said.

On being asked if the US running Venezuela means US troops will be on the ground, President Donald Trump said his administration is not afraid of having its boots on the ground and the US military had its boots on the ground on Saturday.

The United States is “going to run the country,” President Donald Trump said when asked who would run Venezuela after the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro in a US military action on Saturday. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” he said. “So, we don’t want to be involved with having somebody else get in and the same situation that we had for the last long period of years.” “We’re there now,” he added. “So, we’re going to stay until such time as we’re going to run it essentially until such time as a proper transition can take place.”

On being asked if the US running Venezuela means US troops will be on the ground, President Donald Trump said his administration is not afraid of having its boots on the ground and the US military had its boots on the ground on Saturday.

‘We will run Venezuela till safe, proper transition; US firms will invest, make money for it’: Trump

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

Amid ongoing US military operations against drug cartels near Venezuela, US President Donald Trump warned that the airspace over and around the country should be treated as closed, as tensions with leftist leader Nicolás Maduro continue to escalate.&nbsp;“To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers,” Trump writes on his Truth Social network, “please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.”&nbsp;Trump's announcement comes following weeks of rising tensions between Venezuela and the United States have as Washington increased pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s government through sanctions and surveillance operations targeting regional drug cartels. Caracas accused the US of violating its sovereignty, while US officials warned of growing security threats around Venezuelan airspace.&nbsp;The United States has deployed an aircraft carrier to the Caribbean and carried out deadly strikes on vessels, which it claims were involved in drug trafficking.&nbsp;Earlier this week, Donald Trump warned that he might soon target Venezuelan drug networks “by land”.&nbsp;In a televised address on Thursday, Nicolás Maduro insisted that Venezuelans would not be intimidated, accusing Washington of escalating “excuses and lies” to justify possible intervention.&nbsp;

 US President Donald Trump warned that the airspace over and around the country should be treated as closed in its entirety.

Amid ongoing US military operations against drug cartels near Venezuela, US President Donald Trump warned that the airspace over and around the country should be treated as closed, as tensions with leftist leader Nicolás Maduro continue to escalate. “To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers,” Trump writes on his Truth Social network, “please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.” Trump's announcement comes following weeks of rising tensions between Venezuela and the United States have as Washington increased pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s government through sanctions and surveillance operations targeting regional drug cartels. Caracas accused the US of violating its sovereignty, while US officials warned of growing security threats around Venezuelan airspace. The United States has deployed an aircraft carrier to the Caribbean and carried out deadly strikes on vessels, which it claims were involved in drug trafficking. Earlier this week, Donald Trump warned that he might soon target Venezuelan drug networks “by land”. In a televised address on Thursday, Nicolás Maduro insisted that Venezuelans would not be intimidated, accusing Washington of escalating “excuses and lies” to justify possible intervention.

US President Donald Trump warned that the airspace over and around the country should be treated as closed in its entirety.

Trump declares Venezuela airspace ‘closed’ as standoff with Maduro escalates

Venezuela has stripped six major international airlines of their operating rights after they suspended flights to the country following a warning issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration. The civil aviation authority of Venezuela cancelled permits for Iberia, Latam Colombia, TAP, Avianca, Turkish Airlines and Gol, a move that further isolates the connectivity with the Caribbean nation and delivers its threats made this week.&nbsp;In a statement, Caracas accused the carriers of participating in "joint actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States" by "unilaterally" suspending commercial flights. The US aviation regulator had recently warned major airlines of a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela, citing a worsening security situation and increased military activity across the country, as per the report in Reuters.<h3>The US military has been deploying forces in Venezuela</h3>Caracas responded that the FAA has no authority over Venezuelan airspace. US forces have been increasing deployments in the Caribbean for months as tensions with Venezuela escalate, accusing President Nicolás Maduro of enabling drug trafficking that harms Americans.&nbsp;Maduro has rejected these allegations, claiming US President Donald Trump aims to oust him. Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said Monday that Venezuelan authorities had given foreign airlines a 48-hour ultimatum to resume flights or lose their landing rights.&nbsp;Several international airlines have cancelled flights to Venezuela in recent days, ignoring Caracas's 48-hour deadline. Iberia said it wished to restart flights to Venezuela as soon as full safety conditions were met.&nbsp;Ignoring the 48-hour deadline of Caracas, several international airlines have cancelled flights to Venezuela in these days. Amid the development, Iberia expressed its interest in restarting flights to Venezuela as soon as the country completely met the safety conditions.&nbsp;In addition, Air Europa and Plus Ultra had suspended flights, but their permits have not been revoked. International airlines Copa and Wingo also continue to operate in Venezuela, as do domestic airlines flying to Colombia, Curaçao and Panama.

The civil aviation authority of Venezuela cancelled permits for Iberia, Latam Colombia, TAP, Avianca, Turkish Airlines and Gol, a move that further isolates the connectivity with the Caribbean nation and delivers its threats made this week.

Venezuela has stripped six major international airlines of their operating rights after they suspended flights to the country following a warning issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration. The civil aviation authority of Venezuela cancelled permits for Iberia, Latam Colombia, TAP, Avianca, Turkish Airlines and Gol, a move that further isolates the connectivity with the Caribbean nation and delivers its threats made this week. In a statement, Caracas accused the carriers of participating in "joint actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States" by "unilaterally" suspending commercial flights. The US aviation regulator had recently warned major airlines of a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela, citing a worsening security situation and increased military activity across the country, as per the report in Reuters. The US military has been deploying forces in Venezuela Caracas responded that the FAA has no authority over Venezuelan airspace. US forces have been increasing deployments in the Caribbean for months as tensions with Venezuela escalate, accusing President Nicolás Maduro of enabling drug trafficking that harms Americans. Maduro has rejected these allegations, claiming US President Donald Trump aims to oust him. Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said Monday that Venezuelan authorities had given foreign airlines a 48-hour ultimatum to resume flights or lose their landing rights. Several international airlines have cancelled flights to Venezuela in recent days, ignoring Caracas's 48-hour deadline. Iberia said it wished to restart flights to Venezuela as soon as full safety conditions were met. Ignoring the 48-hour deadline of Caracas, several international airlines have cancelled flights to Venezuela in these days. Amid the development, Iberia expressed its interest in restarting flights to Venezuela as soon as the country completely met the safety conditions. In addition, Air Europa and Plus Ultra had suspended flights, but their permits have not been revoked. International airlines Copa and Wingo also continue to operate in Venezuela, as do domestic airlines flying to Colombia, Curaçao and Panama.

The civil aviation authority of Venezuela cancelled permits for Iberia, Latam Colombia, TAP, Avianca, Turkish Airlines and Gol, a move that further isolates the connectivity with the Caribbean nation and delivers its threats made this week.

Venezuela revokes rights of 6 major airlines amid escalating tension with US, accuses America of ‘state terrorism’

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia sent a video message to the country's military on Sunday (Jan 5), directly appealing for its support against the government of Nicholas Maduro.
In the address, he said, "On January 10, by the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people, I must assume the role of commander-in-chief."&nbsp;
The 75-year-old is the opposition leader against the incumbent Nicholas Maduro and claims that the election results were rigged against the will of Venezuelan voters.
January 10 is a crucial date in Venezuelan election as the president-elect will be sworn in as the leader of the country for the next six years.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-offers-usd-100000-in-reward-for-information-leading-to-exiled-opposition-candidate-8589430">Venezuela offers USD 100,000 in reward for information leading to exiled opposition candidate</a>
The Venezuelan armed forces are also known as National Bolivarian Armed Forces.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5kg3x1i-zugslfk8-fe5f02ea">
A los miembros de la Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana <a href="https://t.co/CZrLR2g4cX">pic.twitter.com/CZrLR2g4cX</a>
&mdash; Edmundo Gonz&aacute;lez (@EdmundoGU) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmundoGU/status/1876080161919263203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
However, Venezuela's armed forces have been sworn into loyalty by Maduro.
The authorities have offered $100,000 bounty on Gonzalez Urrutia for information leading to his capture or arrest.
Gonzalez Urrutia left Venezuela just hours after the 28 July 2024 election results and flew to Spain for his safety.
He pledged to return to the country when the next president was supposed to be sworn in.&nbsp;
Maduro will become the president of Venezuela for the third consecutive term if Gonzalez Urrutia fails to convince the armed forces in his favour.&nbsp;
<h2>Support from neighbouring countries</h2>
The former Venezulean ambassador to Argentina (1998-2002) also met the Argentine leader Javier Milei on Saturday at the presidential palace, Casa Rosada.
Milei, showing support to Gonzalez Urrutia, called Nicolas Maduro a "criminal dictator."&nbsp;
Milei in his press conference with Gonzalez Urrutia said, "We are doing what the cause of freedom requires, no more and no less."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-maduro-opponents-stuck-in-embassy-accuse-government-of-siege-8574228">Venezuela: Maduro opponents stuck in embassy accuse government of 'siege'</a>
Outside the palace, groups of Venezuelan migrants and Argentinian people gathered with flags and placards reading messages like, "Venezuela, you are not alone."
Some people even chanted slogans like "Freedom, freedom."
Gonzalez Urrutia also travelled to Uruguay for a meeting with President Luis Lacalle Pou.
He asked for his country's support against Nicholas Maduro.
Urrutia also met Uruguay's Foreign Minister Omar Paganini.&nbsp;&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Venezuelan opposition leader appeals to the military for support, focusing on the need for a change in national leadership to address the country's ongoing crisis.

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia sent a video message to the country's military on Sunday (Jan 5), directly appealing for its support against the government of Nicholas Maduro. In the address, he said, "On January 10, by the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people, I must assume the role of commander-in-chief." The 75-year-old is the opposition leader against the incumbent Nicholas Maduro and claims that the election results were rigged against the will of Venezuelan voters. January 10 is a crucial date in Venezuelan election as the president-elect will be sworn in as the leader of the country for the next six years. Also read: Venezuela offers USD 100,000 in reward for information leading to exiled opposition candidate The Venezuelan armed forces are also known as National Bolivarian Armed Forces. A los miembros de la Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana pic.twitter.com/CZrLR2g4cX — Edmundo González (@EdmundoGU) January 6, 2025 However, Venezuela's armed forces have been sworn into loyalty by Maduro. The authorities have offered $100,000 bounty on Gonzalez Urrutia for information leading to his capture or arrest. Gonzalez Urrutia left Venezuela just hours after the 28 July 2024 election results and flew to Spain for his safety. He pledged to return to the country when the next president was supposed to be sworn in. Maduro will become the president of Venezuela for the third consecutive term if Gonzalez Urrutia fails to convince the armed forces in his favour. Support from neighbouring countries The former Venezulean ambassador to Argentina (1998-2002) also met the Argentine leader Javier Milei on Saturday at the presidential palace, Casa Rosada. Milei, showing support to Gonzalez Urrutia, called Nicolas Maduro a "criminal dictator." Milei in his press conference with Gonzalez Urrutia said, "We are doing what the cause of freedom requires, no more and no less." Also read: Venezuela: Maduro opponents stuck in embassy accuse government of 'siege' Outside the palace, groups of Venezuelan migrants and Argentinian people gathered with flags and placards reading messages like, "Venezuela, you are not alone." Some people even chanted slogans like "Freedom, freedom." Gonzalez Urrutia also travelled to Uruguay for a meeting with President Luis Lacalle Pou. He asked for his country's support against Nicholas Maduro. Urrutia also met Uruguay's Foreign Minister Omar Paganini. (With inputs from agencies)

'I must be commander-in-chief': Venezuelan opposition leader asks military to back change in country's leadership

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged his supporters to remove WhatsApp from their devices and accused the Meta-owned messaging app is being exploited by "fascists" to instigate violence. Maduro's comment came as a fervent appeal under the rain at a rally organised by the ruling party’s youth branch.

Maduro called for a "voluntary, progressive, and radical withdrawal" from WhatsApp. The Venezuelan president called for a gradual switch to alternative platforms such as Telegram and the Chinese messaging app WeChat.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-nicolas-maduro-venezuelas-bus-driver-turned-president-who-won-yet-another-term-745234">Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's bus driver-turned-president, who won yet another term?</a>

"Through WhatsApp, they are threatening the military family, the police, the street leaders, the community, everyone who doesn’t declare themselves in favor of fascism," Maduro stated.&nbsp;

He also criticised TikTok and Instagram for promoting "hate," promising regulatory measures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-elections-meet-maria-corina-machado-the-iron-lady-slaying-her-way-to-challenge-president-maduro-744101">Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the 'Iron Lady' slaying her way to challenge President Maduro</a>

At the youth rally, Maduro referred to the government’s security operation "Tun-Tun," named after the "knock-knock" sound on doors. "Knock, knock, who’s there?" he sang to the tune of a popular Christmas song, adding, "People of peace. Don’t be a crying baby, you’ll go to Tocoron." Tocoron, a maximum-security prison.&nbsp;

The latest stance against social media platforms comes amid a stringent crackdown by Maduro’s regime following his self-proclaimed victory in the presidential election. Maduro has consistently labeled opposition leader María Corina Machado and her proxy candidate Edmundo González as "fascists".&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Anti-Maduro protests in Venezuela: Clashes and violence over election results

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Maduro has accused Machado of instigating protests ignited by allegations of electoral fraud.

In response to the controversy, Maduro has requested Venezuela’s high court to review the election results.&nbsp;

On Monday (August 5), Venezuela's head of the electoral authority, Elvis Amoroso, handed over the electoral documentation during a state television broadcast.&nbsp;

The specifics of the documents, particularly whether they contained detailed tabulations of results as disclosed by the opposition, remain undisclosed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged his supporters to remove WhatsApp from their devices and accused the Meta-owned messaging app is being exploited by "fascists" to instigate violence.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged his supporters to remove WhatsApp from their devices and accused the Meta-owned messaging app is being exploited by "fascists" to instigate violence. Maduro's comment came as a fervent appeal under the rain at a rally organised by the ruling party’s youth branch. Maduro called for a "voluntary, progressive, and radical withdrawal" from WhatsApp. The Venezuelan president called for a gradual switch to alternative platforms such as Telegram and the Chinese messaging app WeChat. Also read | Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's bus driver-turned-president, who won yet another term? "Through WhatsApp, they are threatening the military family, the police, the street leaders, the community, everyone who doesn’t declare themselves in favor of fascism," Maduro stated. He also criticised TikTok and Instagram for promoting "hate," promising regulatory measures. Also read | Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the 'Iron Lady' slaying her way to challenge President Maduro At the youth rally, Maduro referred to the government’s security operation "Tun-Tun," named after the "knock-knock" sound on doors. "Knock, knock, who’s there?" he sang to the tune of a popular Christmas song, adding, "People of peace. Don’t be a crying baby, you’ll go to Tocoron." Tocoron, a maximum-security prison. The latest stance against social media platforms comes amid a stringent crackdown by Maduro’s regime following his self-proclaimed victory in the presidential election. Maduro has consistently labeled opposition leader María Corina Machado and her proxy candidate Edmundo González as "fascists". Also watch | Anti-Maduro protests in Venezuela: Clashes and violence over election results × Maduro has accused Machado of instigating protests ignited by allegations of electoral fraud. In response to the controversy, Maduro has requested Venezuela’s high court to review the election results. On Monday (August 5), Venezuela's head of the electoral authority, Elvis Amoroso, handed over the electoral documentation during a state television broadcast. The specifics of the documents, particularly whether they contained detailed tabulations of results as disclosed by the opposition, remain undisclosed. (With inputs from agencies)

Maduro warns Venezuelan dissidents of 'tun-tun operations', calls against use of WhatsApp

Heavy rain in northern Venezuela caused a landslide that has killed at least three people.

WION Climate Tracker: Three killed as fresh landslide strikes Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López fled the country Saturday after spending the past six years in jail, house arrest and diplomatic asylum, his political party said.

López, 49, is heading to an undisclosed international destination after leaving the Spanish Embassy in Caracas, according to his political party and Spain’s Foreign Ministry. He had sought refuge at the Spanish ambassador’s residence after leading a failed military uprising against the government in April 2019.

A charismatic, U.S.-educated former mayor with a piercing glare, López has for years been one of the most radical opponents of Venezuela’s authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro, whom he sought to overthrow through street protests and increasingly desperate palace plots. His maximalist tactics, however, have backfired, leaving the opposition dismantled and increasingly irrelevant to the struggles facing Venezuelans amid one the deepest economic recessions in modern history.

López came nearest his goal in early 2019, when his protégé, Juan Guaidó, a young lawmaker, declared himself the country’s interim president, citing Maduro’s fraudulent reelection. The United States and most European and Latin American countries swiftly backed him, cutting the government off from the global economy.

Maduro, however, has weathered the challenge and used his control over security forces to gradually suppress the opposition and terrorize its supporters. As Venezuela’s political crisis escalated, sanctions by the Trump administration to aid Guaidó’s bid for power plunged an already rapidly shrinking Venezuelan economy and its people into a full-scale humanitarian crisis.

López now becomes the latest opposition leader to leave for exile, leaving Guaidó increasingly isolated. Guaidó’s term as the speaker of parliament, on which he has based his claim to the country’s leadership, expires in January, threatening to leave the opposition without its last base of support.

López’s party, Popular Will, said its departed leader has pledged his unconditional support for Guaidó and will continue fighting against Maduro, who has resorted to torture, extrajudicial killings and legal persecution to maintain his grip on power.

“Like other Venezuelans, Leopoldo López is not fully free as long as there’s a dictatorship that violates human rights of the people,” his party said in a statement Saturday.

Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López fled the country Saturday after spending the past six years in jail, house arrest and diplomatic asylum, his political party said.

Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López fled the country Saturday after spending the past six years in jail, house arrest and diplomatic asylum, his political party said. López, 49, is heading to an undisclosed international destination after leaving the Spanish Embassy in Caracas, according to his political party and Spain’s Foreign Ministry. He had sought refuge at the Spanish ambassador’s residence after leading a failed military uprising against the government in April 2019. A charismatic, U.S.-educated former mayor with a piercing glare, López has for years been one of the most radical opponents of Venezuela’s authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro, whom he sought to overthrow through street protests and increasingly desperate palace plots. His maximalist tactics, however, have backfired, leaving the opposition dismantled and increasingly irrelevant to the struggles facing Venezuelans amid one the deepest economic recessions in modern history. López came nearest his goal in early 2019, when his protégé, Juan Guaidó, a young lawmaker, declared himself the country’s interim president, citing Maduro’s fraudulent reelection. The United States and most European and Latin American countries swiftly backed him, cutting the government off from the global economy. Maduro, however, has weathered the challenge and used his control over security forces to gradually suppress the opposition and terrorize its supporters. As Venezuela’s political crisis escalated, sanctions by the Trump administration to aid Guaidó’s bid for power plunged an already rapidly shrinking Venezuelan economy and its people into a full-scale humanitarian crisis. López now becomes the latest opposition leader to leave for exile, leaving Guaidó increasingly isolated. Guaidó’s term as the speaker of parliament, on which he has based his claim to the country’s leadership, expires in January, threatening to leave the opposition without its last base of support. López’s party, Popular Will, said its departed leader has pledged his unconditional support for Guaidó and will continue fighting against Maduro, who has resorted to torture, extrajudicial killings and legal persecution to maintain his grip on power. “Like other Venezuelans, Leopoldo López is not fully free as long as there’s a dictatorship that violates human rights of the people,” his party said in a statement Saturday.

Venezuela opposition figure, long confined, flees country

Venezuela sits on some of the world's largest crude reserves but, at the same time, is dealing with regular gasoline shortages.

Corruption, US sanctions impact the oil industry in Venezuela

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.

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

President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday&nbsp;invoked India's independence hero Mahatma&nbsp;Gandhi&nbsp;to explain the pardon of more than 100 opposition lawmakers and associates of opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Venezuela's announcement of the pardons on Monday came a day after Maduro claimed to be supporting measures to bring "reconciliation" and "dialogue" to the deeply polarized South American country ahead of December legislative elections.

The opposition figures, including more than 20 legislators who had been accused of conspiring against Maduro, were pardoned as the country heads toward parliamentary elections in December.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-accuses-united-states-of-plotting-coup-297298">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accuses United States of plotting coup</a>

Maduro said the pardons were a path towards peace.

Those pardoned via a presidential decree include legislator Freddy Guevara, who sought asylum in the Chilean diplomatic residence, as well as Roberto Marrero, who had served as chief of staff to opposition leader and congress chief Juan Guaido.

Many of those mentioned participated in a failed 2019 rebellion that sought to persuade the military to drop their backing for Maduro but ultimately failed to sway top commanders. Some of those pardoned are imprisoned, while others have sought diplomatic asylum or are in exile.

Opposition leaders say Maduro's 2018 re-election was fraudulent, and have recognised Guaido as the legitimate president. More than 50 other countries, including the United States, followed suit.

US dismisses pardoning

The United States on Tuesday downplayed&nbsp;Maduro's pardon warning not to be fooled by the "token" measures.

"Neither the Venezuelan people nor international community will be fooled by these token &amp; transparent acts," tweeted Michael Kozak, the acting assistant secretary of the Western Hemisphere division at the US State Department.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Let's not forget that Maduro continues to arbitrarily detain 100's of political prisoners. Neither the Venezuelan people nor international community will be fooled by these token &amp; transparent acts. Democracy can only prevail when all conditions for free &amp; fair elections are met.
— Michael G. Kozak (@WHAAsstSecty) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHAAsstSecty/status/1300863347592757249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kozak emphasized: "Let's not forget that Maduro continues to arbitrarily detain 100's of political prisoners."

Guaido and leading opposition figures have already vowed to boycott those polls over a lack of transparency.

In January 2019, National Assembly speaker Guaido challenged Maduro's authority by declaring himself acting president, quickly receiving the backing of more than 50 countries including the United States.

US President Donald Trump has been a staunch Guaido ally, and has increased pressure on the leftist Maduro regime with a series of sanctions.

Washington has also accused Maduro of "narcoterrorism" and placed a $15 million bounty on his head.

President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday invoked India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi to explain the pardon of more than 100 opposition lawmakers and associates of opposition leader Juan Guaido.

President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday invoked India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi to explain the pardon of more than 100 opposition lawmakers and associates of opposition leader Juan Guaido. Venezuela's announcement of the pardons on Monday came a day after Maduro claimed to be supporting measures to bring "reconciliation" and "dialogue" to the deeply polarized South American country ahead of December legislative elections. The opposition figures, including more than 20 legislators who had been accused of conspiring against Maduro, were pardoned as the country heads toward parliamentary elections in December. Also read: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accuses United States of plotting coup Maduro said the pardons were a path towards peace. Those pardoned via a presidential decree include legislator Freddy Guevara, who sought asylum in the Chilean diplomatic residence, as well as Roberto Marrero, who had served as chief of staff to opposition leader and congress chief Juan Guaido. Many of those mentioned participated in a failed 2019 rebellion that sought to persuade the military to drop their backing for Maduro but ultimately failed to sway top commanders. Some of those pardoned are imprisoned, while others have sought diplomatic asylum or are in exile. Opposition leaders say Maduro's 2018 re-election was fraudulent, and have recognised Guaido as the legitimate president. More than 50 other countries, including the United States, followed suit. US dismisses pardoning The United States on Tuesday downplayed Maduro's pardon warning not to be fooled by the "token" measures. "Neither the Venezuelan people nor international community will be fooled by these token & transparent acts," tweeted Michael Kozak, the acting assistant secretary of the Western Hemisphere division at the US State Department. Let's not forget that Maduro continues to arbitrarily detain 100's of political prisoners. Neither the Venezuelan people nor international community will be fooled by these token & transparent acts. Democracy can only prevail when all conditions for free & fair elections are met. — Michael G. Kozak (@WHAAsstSecty) September 1, 2020 × Kozak emphasized: "Let's not forget that Maduro continues to arbitrarily detain 100's of political prisoners." Guaido and leading opposition figures have already vowed to boycott those polls over a lack of transparency. In January 2019, National Assembly speaker Guaido challenged Maduro's authority by declaring himself acting president, quickly receiving the backing of more than 50 countries including the United States. US President Donald Trump has been a staunch Guaido ally, and has increased pressure on the leftist Maduro regime with a series of sanctions. Washington has also accused Maduro of "narcoterrorism" and placed a $15 million bounty on his head.

Venezuela's Maduro invokes Gandhi after pardoning opposition politicians

The Venezuela security forces are punishing citizens violating anti-coronavirus measures with extraordinary measures. Violaters are being made to exercise, sit in the sun, and are even being beaten physically. Watch report.

Citizens punished for violating norms in Venezuela | COVID-19 pandemic

Venezuela's opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scuffle-outside-venezuela-parliament-guaido-tries-to-scale-fence-272554">Juan Guaido</a> joined thousands of supporters at a demonstration in Madrid on Saturday after arriving in Spain on the last leg of a European tour.

Speaking in a central square packed with supporters holding signs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-juan-guaido-meets-emmanuel-macron-on-charm-offensive-276546">calling for 'democracy', Guaido</a> emphasised the importance of international support in unseating Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

"We need the support of the world to fight against the groups operating in Venezuela. We have the opportunity to get Venezuela back because we are together. We can heal Venezuela," he told a crowd of people waving Venezuelan flags and chanting "Yes we can". "It is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-pushes-past-troops-to-enter-congress-after-socialist-takeover-272820">struggle of a whole country</a> in favour of democracy," he said.

<img alt="Supporters of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf43dcfc-2fbb-4010-ad68-88032f8a5270" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2880%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Supporters of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido&nbsp;attend a rally with Venezuelans living in Spain (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez did not meet Guaido, a decision that angered right-wing opposition parties but was welcomed by Unidas Podemos, the far-left coalition partners of Sanchez's Socialists. Podemos members have voiced support for Venezuela's leftist ruling party in the past.

Instead, Guaido met Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya as well as Madrid's mayor and regional president, both from the conservative People's Party (PP).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-calls-for-more-protests-against-maduro-273685">Venezuela's Guaido calls for more protests against Maduro</a>

Guaido's visit coincided with a political spat in Spain over reports that Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos secretly met a senior Maduro aide who is subject to a European Union travel ban at Madrid's Barajas airport on Monday. PP leader Pablo Casado criticised Sanchez for not meeting Guaido and called on him to dismiss Abalos.

Sanchez told reporters earlier in the day that Spain's government wanted elections in Venezuela "as soon as possible" but criticised Spanish opposition parties for using the crisis in Venezuela "against the government".

He also voices his backing for Abalos, saying "he put all his efforts into avoiding a diplomatic crisis and succeeded". Guaido has defied a travel ban to seek support in Europe, where he has spoken at the European Parliament, attended the World Economic Forum in Davos and met with leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson. 
&nbsp;

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido joined thousands of supporters at a demonstration in Madrid on Saturday after arriving in Spain on the last leg of a European tour.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido joined thousands of supporters at a demonstration in Madrid on Saturday after arriving in Spain on the last leg of a European tour. Speaking in a central square packed with supporters holding signs calling for 'democracy', Guaido emphasised the importance of international support in unseating Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. "We need the support of the world to fight against the groups operating in Venezuela. We have the opportunity to get Venezuela back because we are together. We can heal Venezuela," he told a crowd of people waving Venezuelan flags and chanting "Yes we can". "It is the struggle of a whole country in favour of democracy," he said. [ Supporters of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido attend a rally with Venezuelans living in Spain (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez did not meet Guaido, a decision that angered right-wing opposition parties but was welcomed by Unidas Podemos, the far-left coalition partners of Sanchez's Socialists. Podemos members have voiced support for Venezuela's leftist ruling party in the past. Instead, Guaido met Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya as well as Madrid's mayor and regional president, both from the conservative People's Party (PP). Also Read: Venezuela's Guaido calls for more protests against Maduro Guaido's visit coincided with a political spat in Spain over reports that Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos secretly met a senior Maduro aide who is subject to a European Union travel ban at Madrid's Barajas airport on Monday. PP leader Pablo Casado criticised Sanchez for not meeting Guaido and called on him to dismiss Abalos. Sanchez told reporters earlier in the day that Spain's government wanted elections in Venezuela "as soon as possible" but criticised Spanish opposition parties for using the crisis in Venezuela "against the government". He also voices his backing for Abalos, saying "he put all his efforts into avoiding a diplomatic crisis and succeeded". Guaido has defied a travel ban to seek support in Europe, where he has spoken at the European Parliament, attended the World Economic Forum in Davos and met with leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson.

Thousands support Venezuela's Guaido at Madrid rally

Venezuelan opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-pushes-past-troops-to-enter-congress-after-socialist-takeover-272820">Juan&nbsp;Guaido</a>&nbsp;on Saturday called for&nbsp;more&nbsp;protests&nbsp;against&nbsp;the government of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-calls-on-us-to-step-up-pressure-on-maduro-ally-russia-273498">Nicolas&nbsp;Maduro</a>&nbsp;in the wake of a failed attempt by the ruling Socialist Party to install allied leadership in congress.

Guaido&nbsp;held his first rally since troops six days ago blocked his access to congress long enough for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-ruling-socialists-seize-congress-defiant-opposition-re-elects-guaido-272587">Socialist Party</a> to declare an allied legislator as head of parliament.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Estamos realizando cientos de asambleas y cabildos a nivel nacional porque tenemos que ir todos juntos en una misma dirección, organizados y con fuerza, a empujar en toda Venezuela, para salir de esta miserable emergencia y lograr la Libertad y la Democracia. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GranCabildoPorVzla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GranCabildoPorVzla</a> <a href="https://t.co/ibHzpSXp2C">pic.twitter.com/ibHzpSXp2C</a>
— Juan Guaidó (@jguaido) <a href="https://twitter.com/jguaido/status/1216145460555063296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Opposition legislators in a separate session on January&nbsp;5 re-elected him anyway, and they later returned to the legislative palace to hold session.

"We have to go into the streets to protest and make demands, we have to push together,"&nbsp;Guaido&nbsp;said on Saturday at a sparsely attended rally in the Montalban neighbourhood of western Caracas that brought out several hundred people.

"Nobody can stay in their house. Nobody can kneel before the dictatorship."

Guaido, who has been recognised by&nbsp;more&nbsp;than 50 countries as&nbsp;Venezuela's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-parra-claim-victory-in-venezuelas-parliament-speaker-vote-272404">legitimate president</a>, has since November sought to revive the groundswell mobilizations of early 2019 that galvanized the opposition.

But rallies have consistently been smaller than last year, with many Venezuelans expressing weariness with the ongoing political standoff and frustration that&nbsp;Maduro&nbsp;remains in power despite an economic crisis and US&nbsp;sanctions.

Guaido&nbsp;had called on supporters on Tuesday to march to the headquarters of parliament to hold session, but Socialist Party leaders on Saturday called in sympathizers to surround Congress.

<img alt="Juan Guaido sharing his views with supporters during citizen assembly in Caracas, Venezuela" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fb97244-985e-402d-8522-1cb1e067f1a6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2837%29_0.jpg" /> 
[ Juan&nbsp;Guaido sharing his views with supporters during&nbsp;citizen assembly in Caracas, Venezuela (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

At Saturday's rally,&nbsp;Guaido&nbsp;noted that congress can hold session where and when it chooses, signalling he may avoid a confrontation. After being blocked from congress, legislators held session at the headquarters of opposition-linked newspaper El Nacional.

Guaido's press team on Friday said that a representative of the Norwegian government would visit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-over-a-dozen-venezuelan-government-military-accounts-273072">Venezuela</a>, but that the opposition would not participate in any efforts by Norway to mediate conversations with the government.

The two sides in 2019 participated in talks brokered by Norway that were meant to ease the political deadlock, but the opposition walked away from the meetings because it contended the government was using them to buy time.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for more protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in the wake of a failed attempt by the ruling Socialist Party to install allied leadership in congress.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for more protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in the wake of a failed attempt by the ruling Socialist Party to install allied leadership in congress. Guaido held his first rally since troops six days ago blocked his access to congress long enough for the Socialist Party to declare an allied legislator as head of parliament. Estamos realizando cientos de asambleas y cabildos a nivel nacional porque tenemos que ir todos juntos en una misma dirección, organizados y con fuerza, a empujar en toda Venezuela, para salir de esta miserable emergencia y lograr la Libertad y la Democracia. #GranCabildoPorVzla pic.twitter.com/ibHzpSXp2C — Juan Guaidó (@jguaido) January 11, 2020 × Opposition legislators in a separate session on January 5 re-elected him anyway, and they later returned to the legislative palace to hold session. "We have to go into the streets to protest and make demands, we have to push together," Guaido said on Saturday at a sparsely attended rally in the Montalban neighbourhood of western Caracas that brought out several hundred people. "Nobody can stay in their house. Nobody can kneel before the dictatorship." Guaido, who has been recognised by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate president, has since November sought to revive the groundswell mobilizations of early 2019 that galvanized the opposition. But rallies have consistently been smaller than last year, with many Venezuelans expressing weariness with the ongoing political standoff and frustration that Maduro remains in power despite an economic crisis and US sanctions. Guaido had called on supporters on Tuesday to march to the headquarters of parliament to hold session, but Socialist Party leaders on Saturday called in sympathizers to surround Congress. [ Juan Guaido sharing his views with supporters during citizen assembly in Caracas, Venezuela (Courtesy: Reuters) ] At Saturday's rally, Guaido noted that congress can hold session where and when it chooses, signalling he may avoid a confrontation. After being blocked from congress, legislators held session at the headquarters of opposition-linked newspaper El Nacional. Guaido's press team on Friday said that a representative of the Norwegian government would visit Venezuela, but that the opposition would not participate in any efforts by Norway to mediate conversations with the government. The two sides in 2019 participated in talks brokered by Norway that were meant to ease the political deadlock, but the opposition walked away from the meetings because it contended the government was using them to buy time.

Venezuela's Guaido calls for more protests against Maduro

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