US-Venezuela relations
The United States and Venezuela's interim authorities agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations on March 5, 2026, following a US military operation in January that deposed former President Nicolás Maduro. As of March 5, 2026: The agreement aims to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation. The January 3, 2026, operation in Caracas involved multiple explosions and power outages, leading to Maduro's detention and transfer to the US to face charges. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has proposed legislation to release hundreds of political prisoners, while thousands of Maduro supporters have marched in Caracas demanding his release. Russia's Ambassador to Venezuela, Serguéi Melik-Bagdasárov, stated that two Russian anti-aircraft batteries fired at US troops during the operation but failed due to lack of training.
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2026
102 updatesThe United States and Venezuela's interim authorities have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, announced on March 5, 2026. This move follows several visits by Trump administration officials after the US military operation that deposed former President Nicolás Maduro in January. The agreement aims to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation.
On January 3, 2026, a US military operation in Caracas involved multiple explosions and power outages, leading to the detention of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were transported to the US to face charges. Gunfire and suspected drone activity near the presidential palace were reported days later on January 6, indicating ongoing instability following the raid.
Thousands of supporters of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro marched in Caracas demanding his release. This demonstration occurred a month after his capture and transfer to New York for drug charges. Interim president Delcy Rodriguez is currently navigating support from Washington and Maduro loyalists.
via bssnews.net
Following the US military operation and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, acting President Delcy Rodríguez has proposed legislation aimed at releasing hundreds of political prisoners. This action is seen as a concession amidst the ongoing political situation in Venezuela.
via reuters.com
Residents near Fuerte Tiuna military base described scenes of chaos, fear, and confusion during the January 3rd nighttime raid, experiencing powerful blasts and being escorted by soldiers to safety. These accounts add a human perspective to the previously reported events.
via aa.com.tr
The Russian Ambassador to Venezuela, Serguéi Melik-Bagdasárov, stated that Caracas fired two Russian anti-aircraft batteries at US troops during the operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, but they failed due to lack of training.
via rpp.com.pe
The power outage in Caracas before the capture of Nicolás Maduro was due to a US cyberoperation. The US military also used cyber tools to interfere with Venezuela's air defense radar.
via caliber.az
Scattered demonstrations have occurred in Caracas and other Venezuelan cities, with protesters demanding the release of President Nicolás Maduro. Nicolás Maduro Jr. has accused the United States of orchestrating an armed plot to destabilize the country.
Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela is experiencing a forced return to normality, with daily life resuming amidst a tense quiet.
Iran's President Masud Pezeshkian attributed the recent disturbances in Venezuela to Israeli-American revenge, stating that Venezuelans are protesting US aggression.
via hispantv.com
The United States has appointed Laura Dogu as its new top envoy for Venezuela, serving as charge d'affaires to the Venezuela Affairs Unit based in Bogota. This appointment follows the recent capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Caracas and 23 other Venezuelan states experienced new power cuts, occurring hours after a widespread blackout, highlighting an ongoing electricity crisis. Separately, families of political prisoners have been protesting in Caracas for over twelve nights, demanding justice and the release of their loved ones.
The New York Times reportedly revealed further details regarding the cyberattacks that caused power outages in Caracas during the January 3 US operation.
via forbes.com
A Forbes report detailed that cyberattacks during the US operation in Caracas were precise, causing power outages for most of the city for a few minutes and for over 24 hours around the military compound.
An 18-year-old soldier, Saul Pereira Martinez, was killed during the January 3 U.S. assault on the Maduro compound, sending a final message to his mother as explosions hit his military base. This report contradicts claims of no casualties made by President Trump.
via cbsnews.com
New reports indicate that cyberattacks during the January 3 operation not only caused power outages in Caracas but also disrupted air defense radars. Additionally, the Venezuelan government has authorized restrictions on fundamental rights and reported arrests in the aftermath of Maduro's capture.
US officials confirmed that offensive cyber capabilities played a role in cutting power across Caracas on January 3 during the operation to abduct President Maduro. Additionally, thousands of transport drivers and riders participated in a motorcycle rally on January 14, demanding Maduro's freedom.
Thousands of supporters of Venezuela's ruling party marched in Caracas on January 15, 2026, demanding the release of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.
via en.yenisafak.com
Thousands of Venezuelan prisoners remained unaware of Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces for a week due to their isolation from news, learning of the events during family visits.
The U.S. government urged its citizens to immediately leave Venezuela, citing a fluid security situation. This official travel warning reiterates previous warnings against travel to the country.
via aa.com.tr
Venezuela and the US are scheduled to hold talks on January 10, 2026, to restore diplomatic ties following Maduro's capture. Additionally, Maduro loyalists staged protests in Caracas on January 9 and 11, demanding his release.
Smoke was observed rising from a military base hangar in Caracas following reported explosions, providing a new specific detail about the impact of the ongoing situation.
via al24news.dz
The US government issued a warning that armed Chavista groups are searching for American citizens in Venezuela following Maduro's capture, elevating the travel alert for the country.
via infobae.com
The U.S. Embassy in Bogota issued a new security alert on January 10, advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Venezuela and to depart immediately. Additionally, the Venezuelan government declared a 'state of external commotion,' granting broad powers to the presidency, and paramilitary groups are patrolling Caracas.
Heavy gunfire was reported in the Las Mercedes area of Caracas on January 10. Additionally, journalists have been detained and barred by the new regime, and the US denied involvement in the January 6 gunfire near the presidential palace.
via news.cgtn.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
Two significant power outages have been reported in Caracas and other Venezuelan cities recently, amidst heightened tensions in the country.
via news.cgtn.com
Following the US raid in Caracas, 26 European Union member states called for respect for international law and Venezuela's democratic will, but did not explicitly condemn the US action.
Recent U.S. strikes in Venezuela resulted in approximately 75 deaths, including 32 Cuban special forces and two civilians, with residential buildings in Caracas sustaining damage. The U.S. Embassy in Bogota issued a security alert advising citizens to shelter in place due to reported explosions.
The U.S. Embassy in Bogota issued a security alert on January 3, advising U.S. citizens in Caracas to shelter in place and avoid travel. Additionally, the U.S. military strike on January 3, aimed at apprehending President Nicolás Maduro, has been identified as 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' following months of U.S. pressure and military targeting of alleged drug-smuggling.
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Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the new regime under Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez has imposed a more draconian atmosphere in Caracas, with paramilitary groups enforcing an informal curfew and security forces checking phones. Separately, officials suggested that the heavy gunfire near the presidential palace on January 6, which included anti-aircraft fire, was due to a miscommunication between security forces.
On January 8, hundreds of citizens in Caracas protested, demanding the release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and condemning perceived U.S. government interference.
via pj.gob.pe
A power and communications outage affected parts of Caracas on January 3, 2026, coinciding with U.S. military activity in the city. The disruption was brief and geographically limited, with services quickly restored.
Following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores was also reported captured. On January 7, thousands of Venezuelan citizens protested in Caracas, demanding national sovereignty and the release of both President Maduro and his wife.
US Special Operations forces conducted a sweep into Caracas on January 3rd, leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Additionally, informal militias known as colectivos have been observed with larger weapons, establishing checkpoints across the city.
United Nations experts have strongly condemned the large-scale US military action against Venezuela, which included the bombardment of Caracas and other cities, and the forcible abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on January 7, 2026.
via ohchr.org
Thousands of Venezuelans rallied in Caracas on January 7, 2026, demanding national sovereignty and the release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The demonstration was organized by opposition and civic groups.
via univ-tours.fr
A report from January 7, 2026, described Caracas experiencing empty shelves and the emergence of small protests that were quickly dispersed. These events marked a turning point for the city.
Armed far-left militias, known as colectivos, reportedly took control of streets in Caracas on January 7, with witnesses describing gunmen patrolling key areas and gunshots heard near the presidential palace.
via dagens.com
By January 7, Venezuela's government launched a crackdown in Caracas to suppress support for the change in leadership, involving the detention of journalists and civilians and the deployment of armed gangs.
The power disruption in Caracas during the US operation to capture Maduro coincided with the arrival of US special operations helicopters, suggesting sophisticated timing and coordination with cyber operators. President Trump hinted at the use of "a certain expertise" in this operation.
via varindia.com
Venezuela's Attorney General reported that 24 Venezuelan security officers and 32 Cuban military and police officers were killed in the US operation to capture Maduro. Following these deaths, Cuba declared two days of mourning.
The Cuban Ambassador to India condemned the US military operation in Venezuela, characterizing it as a criminal and terrorist act violating the UN Charter and international law.
via deccanherald.com
Old and fake footage, including a 2021 livestream of a power cut in Italy, was falsely re-uploaded and widely viewed, claiming to show US bombs hitting energy facilities in south Caracas during the raid to capture President Maduro.
via thejournal.ie
The United Nations expressed deep concern over the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, warning that it 'undermines the core principle of international law'.
The Venezuelan Ministry of Justice released a video featuring the Interior Minister amidst reports of a tense quiet in Caracas following earlier gunfire.
Reports indicate dozens of fatalities resulted from the US attacks in Caracas on January 3. Additionally, on January 6, drones triggered air defenses and heavy gunfire near the presidential palace, prompting the evacuation of main ministries.
Following the US abduction of Maduro, a state of emergency was declared in Venezuela to search for loyalists. Residents of Caracas are experiencing price hikes and store closures, leading them to stock up on basic supplies amidst ongoing tension.
Protests against President Trump's actions and the capture of Nicolás Maduro erupted in Caracas, with groups like the Soros-funded Alliance for Global Justice calling for global demonstrations.
via foxnews.com
On January 6, 2026, Caracas activated a state of exception and ordered the arrest of suspects supporting the United States. This measure followed the swearing-in of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president.
via diariodecuba.com
Following the reported seizure of Nicolás Maduro, a new wave of repression has been unleashed across Caracas, with pro-government paramilitary groups setting up checkpoints and searching residents' phones. Additionally, over a dozen media workers were detained while covering the political unrest, though they were later released.
A family in east Caracas survived when a projectile landed less than 20 meters from their home during the January 3rd bombings, severely damaging their house. This incident highlights the direct impact of the strikes on civilian residences.
Unidentified drones were observed hovering over Venezuela's Miraflores Palace on January 6, leading security forces to open fire. Additionally, vehicle convoys were seen moving through Caracas amidst ongoing unrest.
State media reported that power outages in Caracas on January 3 were caused by a failure in the El Junquito substation due to heavy rains and strong winds, offering an alternative explanation to the US military operation. Additionally, residents are experiencing panic and uncertainty, leading to widespread stocking up on basic supplies, long queues at supermarkets, and reported price hikes for essential goods.
The US attack on January 3 reportedly involved airstrikes, helicopters, and special forces, resulting in dozens of fatalities.
President Trump confirmed US military action in Venezuela via a Truth Social post, claiming a successful large-scale strike. Following the US actions and reported abduction of President Maduro, Caracas residents experienced price hikes, queues for necessities, and store closures.
Pro-Maduro protests erupted in Caracas on January 6, with interim President Delcy Rodriguez asserting that no foreign entity controls Venezuela.
via trtworld.com
Unverified reports indicate that government buildings were reportedly evacuated following sightings of unidentified drones and heavy gunfire near Venezuela's Miraflores Presidential Palace.
Venezuela's rulers deployed armed militias, known as colectivos, to patrol the streets of Caracas, establishing checkpoints and searching vehicles. Journalists were also detained and their equipment confiscated amidst heightened security measures.
via theguardian.com
Venezuelan authorities stated that the situation was under control following reports of gunfire and clashes near the Miraflores presidential palace.
via indiatoday.in
Venezuela declared a national emergency on January 6 amid reported US attacks. The US military action, which included strikes on sites inside Venezuela ordered by President Trump, has drawn widespread international condemnation.
The United States officially denied its involvement in the reported gunshots and drone activity near the Venezuelan presidential palace on January 5th. This denial comes after the Venezuelan government had accused the US of launching attacks.
via chosun.com
Reports of heavy gunfire and drone activity near Venezuela's presidential palace on January 6 were clarified as friendly fire, stemming from an anti-drone drill conducted by the Presidential Guard. This incident led to panic and the mobilization of armored vehicles.
via gulfnews.com
On January 5, Caracas experienced new gunfire, explosions, and drone activity near the presidential palace, leading to lockdowns and security forces firing at drones. Following Maduro's capture, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president.
via binance.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·timesnownews.com
On January 4, Caracas residents faced a total blackout, struggling to access essential services like food, electricity, and the internet. The following day, government supporters protested in Caracas, demanding Maduro's release and condemning foreign intervention.
On January 5, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan government sought to demonstrate its independence by swearing in the National Assembly, with former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assuming leadership.
via lmtonline.com
Pro-government armed civilians were seen attending protests in Caracas, demanding the release of President Maduro from US custody.
Thousands of Nicolás Maduro's supporters held massive rallies in Caracas on January 4-5, protesting his capture by the US and demanding his release. The country's legislature also convened in response to the events.
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A cyberattack is believed to have caused the power outages in Caracas during the U.S. strikes, with President Trump indicating that U.S. Cyber Command was instrumental in the disruption. Internet connectivity was also lost in parts of the city.
via it-online.co.za
Widespread power outages have been reported across Venezuela, including Caracas, with the energy minister confirming significant damage to transmission infrastructure near the capital. Residents are also facing marked-up prices and long queues for basic supplies amidst the ongoing unrest.
via robertbryce.substack.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
Heavy gunfire erupted outside the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on January 5, amid reports of a coup attempt. Videos on social media showed armed soldiers and armored vehicles near government buildings.
Supporters of Nicolás Maduro protested in Caracas on January 4, demanding his and Cilia Flores' release, with the Venezuelan government having called for these demonstrations.
via youtube.com
The US Embassy in Caracas issued a warning on January 4th, stating that the security situation in Venezuela remains fluid and advising US citizens against travel due to severe risks.
via aa.com.tr
Following the US military operation and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, some areas of Caracas experienced intermittent water and power outages, leading to long queues at supermarkets. Chinese residents in Venezuela reported that the city remained relatively calm despite these disruptions.
via globaltimes.cn
A mass democracy protest, joined by armed pro-government groups, took place in Caracas on January 4 following the reported US actions and capture of President Maduro. Large crowds marched through the city carrying images of Maduro.
via youtube.com
Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were flown to New York to face criminal charges, and the US operation was named "Operation Absolute Resolve". The Venezuelan government declared a state of external emergency, and its Foreign Minister requested an international session.
The United States officially confirmed conducting strikes in Venezuela, and President Trump announced the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, stating the US would temporarily run Venezuela and exploit its oil reserves. Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is expected to temporarily assume the presidency.
via vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
Explosions and power outages struck Caracas on January 3, 2026, during what Venezuela's government called "extremely serious military aggression" by the United States. US media reported military strikes, and President Donald Trump later claimed credit for the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
A US military operation on January 3, 2026, involved multiple explosions and gunfire in Caracas, Venezuela, causing power outages and leading to the deposition of former President Nicolás Maduro. The operation included low-flying aircraft and was met with armed response near military bases. This event precedes the recent agreement to re-establish diplomatic relations between the US and Venezuela's interim authorities.
Explosions, gunfire, and suspected drone activity were reported in Caracas on January 3rd and 6th, 2026, amid escalating US-Venezuela tensions. A significant power outage on January 3rd, initially framed as a cyberattack, also involved physical damage to substations. The White House stated the US was not involved in the January 6th unrest.
Explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas on January 3, 2026, with at least seven explosions reported near a military base that lost power. On January 5, 2026, shots were fired near the presidential palace as unidentified drones flew overhead, and heavy gunfire was reported near the Miraflores palace. President Trump hinted that US forces used technical expertise to disable power in Caracas ahead of the operation to capture Maduro.
Explosions rocked Caracas on January 3, 2026, following US military action threats, with Venezuela accusing the US of aggression and Colombia calling for a UN meeting. Gunfire was also reported near the presidential palace on January 6, 2026, after unidentified drones flew overhead.
On January 3, 2026, the United States launched 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' a military strike in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation involved explosions and bombing of infrastructure across northern Venezuela, and US forces used cyber warfare to disable power in Caracas.
via republicworld.com·cbsnews.com·en.wikipedia.org·cybernews.com
On January 3, 2026, Caracas experienced a blackout following at least seven explosions near military installations, causing panic and power outages. Drones were spotted over the capital, prompting Venezuelan air defenses to fire shots. Independent monitors confirmed disruptions to power and internet connectivity coinciding with a U.S. operation, during which President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured.
via hindustantimes.com·jpost.com·cybernews.com·theguardian.com
Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were reportedly captured during an attack on January 3rd. This news coincided with detonations and aircraft overflights in Caracas, leading to the government declaring a state of 'Conmoción Exterior'.
President Trump announced on January 3 that Cilia Flores de Maduro, the wife of Nicolas Maduro, was also captured during the US military operation, and both are expected to face criminal charges. Following this, Venezuelan government supporters protested in Caracas on January 4 and 5, while Canada issued a travel advisory due to heightened security.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for an immediate UN Security Council meeting following reports of explosions and US strikes in Caracas.
Reports indicate the U.S. military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro and his wife, which involved low-flying aircraft and explosions starting around 2 AM local time, extracted them from a military base. Following Maduro's capture, his supporters took to the streets in Caracas, and the Canadian government issued a travel warning for Venezuela.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace. Explosions were also reported in La Guaira, and Venezuela's Vice President stated the government did not know the whereabouts of President Maduro.
via vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·novanews.co.za·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of Venezuela. The United States also officially confirmed it conducted strikes inside Venezuela.
via ndtv.com
Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced that Venezuela will launch a 'massive military deployment' for comprehensive national defense.
via thehindu.com
The Venezuelan government officially confirmed that attacks were carried out not only in Caracas but also in three other states. This expands the reported geographical extent of the military actions.
via theguardian.com
Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke from two key military installations and an airport in Caracas following the explosions. A southern area of the city, near a major military base, was also reported to be without electricity.
via theguardian.com
US officials acknowledged reports of explosions and aircraft but stated there was no immediate response from the White House or Pentagon. Residents also reported hearing gunshots in several areas within Caracas, and President Maduro called on social and political forces to activate 'mobilisation plans'.
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Reports suggest US President Donald Trump ordered the strikes on military facilities and other sites within Venezuela. The national emergency declaration grants broader authority over security and communications, with officials arguing that recent US military actions in the Caribbean and Pacific have increasingly crossed into Venezuelan territory.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro further elaborated on his accusation, stating the 'imperialist aggression' aimed to seize the country's oil and minerals. Residents reported at least seven explosions around 1:50-2:00 a.m. local time, with gunshots also heard in specific locations like Higuerote and La Guaira.
via vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·aljazeera.com·tribuneindia.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
Residents in Caracas reported widespread power outages across multiple areas of the city following the explosions and aircraft sightings. Colombian President Gustavo Petro also called for immediate meetings of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN) in response to the incidents.
via ndtvprofit.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·khaama.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a national emergency following the blasts and accused the United States of launching a military attack. The government stated that civilian and military installations in Caracas and other states were targeted.
Reports specified that smoke was seen rising and explosions occurred in the La Carlota area, home to a Venezuelan air force base.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a statement regarding the incidents in Caracas. Additionally, residents reported gunshots, visible smoke, and air-raid sirens in various parts of the capital.
via cbsnews.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·en.yenisafak.com
As of early morning, neither Venezuelan nor US officials had issued statements confirming the nature or cause of the incidents, leaving citizens on edge.
via livemint.com·en.wikipedia.org·sheltonherald.com·timesofindia.indiatimes.com·wionews.com
Panic spread through several neighborhoods in Caracas, with residents rushing into the streets following the blasts.
via livemint.com·en.wikipedia.org·sheltonherald.com·timesofindia.indiatimes.com·wionews.com
Multiple loud explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported across Caracas on January 2nd and 3rd, with at least seven explosions shaking the city. Widespread power outages also occurred in the capital on January 2nd and 3rd, including near a major military base.
via economictimes.indiatimes.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
2025
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5 updatesUS President Donald Trump indicated that the US 'hit' a dock facility along a shore, where he claimed boats carrying drugs 'load up,' as part of an escalating pressure campaign on Venezuela.
via livemint.com·en.wikipedia.org·sheltonherald.com·timesofindia.indiatimes.com·wionews.com
The FAA issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) warning airlines of hazards in Venezuelan airspace due to 'heightened military activity,' including GPS interference, leading to airlines suspending flights to Venezuela.
via livemint.com·en.wikipedia.org·sheltonherald.com·timesofindia.indiatimes.com·wionews.com
The US deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, other warships, thousands of troops, and F-35 stealth jets to the Caribbean, marking a significant military buildup near Venezuela.
via livemint.com·en.wikipedia.org·sheltonherald.com·timesofindia.indiatimes.com·wionews.com
Throughout September and early October, the US conducted at least three more strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, killing additional alleged 'naroterrorists.'
via livemint.com·en.wikipedia.org·sheltonherald.com·timesofindia.indiatimes.com·wionews.com
The US military carried out its first publicly acknowledged lethal strike on a vessel in international waters, claiming it was carrying drugs and linked to 'naroterrorists,' escalating US-Venezuela tensions.
via livemint.com·en.wikipedia.org·sheltonherald.com·timesofindia.indiatimes.com·wionews.com
2026
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