US Strikes Venezuela Highlights: Donald Trump warns of possible second strike on Venezuela after American troops captured Nicolas Maduro

Jan 5, 2026 12:53 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates : Venezuela acting president seeks US govt collaboration

Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez invited the US government to collaborate on an agenda of cooperation, in a statement on social media that struck a conciliatory tone following the US capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

She said that Venezuela "aspires to live without external threats" and that she wanted to prioritise moving towards balanced ‍and ⁠respectful relations with the United States.

She said, "Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence. Our country ‌aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation. We believe that global peace is built by first guaranteeing peace within each nation. We invite the US government to ‌collaborate with us on an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development within the framework ‌of international law to strengthen lasting community coexistence."

(Reuters)

Jan 5, 2026 11:10 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates| Trump: Operation Absolute Resolve was about 'peace on earth'

Speaking from Air Force One, a reporter has asked the president what the operation in Venezuela was actually about: oil or regime change?

In response, Trump says it is about "peace on earth". "The Monroe Doctrine was very important when it was done, and other presidents, a lot of them, they lost sight of it," he says. "I didn't, I didn't lose sight."

Jan 5, 2026 10:52 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Venezuela's Maduro to appear in US court, Trump says further strikes possible

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was due to appear in a US court on Monday after his weekend capture by American forces, with US President Donald Trump leaving open the possibility of another incursion if the United States doesn't get its way with the country's interim leader.

Trump told reporters on Sunday that he could order another strike if Venezuela does not cooperate with US efforts to open up its oil industry and stop drug trafficking. He also threatened military action in Colombia and Mexico and said Cuba's communist regime "looks like it's ready to fall" on its own.

_Reuters

Jan 5, 2026 10:28 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Why did US attack Venezuela and capture President Nicolás Maduro? What we know so far

In a dramatic escalation of its long-running standoff with Venezuela, the United States launched large-scale military strikes on Caracas early Saturday and claimed to have captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Donald Trump said the operation was aimed at ending what Washington describes as a “narco-terrorist regime” and securing a “transition” in the oil-rich South American nation.

Read the full story here.

Jan 5, 2026 09:51 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Venezuela's interim President forms commission to secure Maduro's release

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's interim president, has formed a commission to seek the release of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were captured by US forces in a military operation. The commission, co-chaired by Rodríguez's brother Jorge and Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, will also include Information Minister Freddy Nanez.

Jan 5, 2026 09:39 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Trump bets on intimidation to force Venezuelan leaders into line

After removing President Nicolas Maduro from power, the Trump administration is gambling that it can intimidate the Venezuelan leader's inner circle into toeing the US line with threats of further military action that could put them at risk of a similar fate, according to sources familiar with the matter. The United States would consider another military operation in Venezuela if the interim government in the South American nation did not cooperate, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday.

-Reuters

Jan 5, 2026 08:55 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Trump says US military operation in Colombia 'sounds good to me'

US President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened military action against Colombia’s government, telling reporters ‍that ⁠such an operation “sounds good to me.”

“Colombia is very sick, too, run by a sick man, who ‌likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States, and he’s not going to be doing it very long,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, ‌in an apparent reference to Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro.

Read the full story here.

Jan 5, 2026 08:14 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: What we know so far

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has been captured: US forces launched a military operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve", and captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Caracas, Venezuela. They are currently being held in a New York jail, facing charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracies, and possession of machine guns.

Delcy Rodriguez is now acting president: Venezuela's Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the interim president, citing the need to ensure administrative continuity and national defense.

US plans for Venezuela: US President Donald Trump has stated that the US will "run the country" until a safe transition is ensured. He also mentioned that US energy companies could be involved in developing Venezuela's oil sector .

International reactions: China has called for Maduro's immediate release, while the European Union has urged respect for Venezuela's sovereignty. The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting to address the situation.

Jan 5, 2026 07:45 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Dozens of Cubans killed in US raid on Venezuela, says Havana

Cuba has announced two days of national mourning after 32 of its citizens were killed in a US raid on Venezuela. The Cubans, who were part of a security team supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, died in "fierce resistance" against the attackers, according to President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

The Cuban government condemned the US action as "state terrorism" and demanded the release of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Honor y gloria a los bravos combatientes cubanos que cayeron enfrentando a terroristas en uniforme imperial, que secuestraron y sacaron ilegalmente de su país al Presidente de #venezuela y esposa, cuyas vidas ayudaban a proteger los nuestros por solicitud de esa hermana nación. pic.twitter.com/kJmhFjY5Zn
— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) January 5, 2026

Jan 5, 2026 07:34 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Rodriguez calls for respectful relationship with Trump

Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez has called for a balanced and respectful relationship with the US, following the ousting of President Nicolas Maduro.

Rodriguez, who has held her first cabinet meeting at the Miraflores presidential palace, is flanked by key Maduro loyalists, including defence minister Vladimir Padrino and interior minister Diosdado Cabello.

Despite Trump's claims of cooperation, Rodriguez has publicly rejected US control, asserting Maduro's legitimacy and vowing to defend Venezuela's resources.

Jan 5, 2026 07:11 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: China says it cannot accept countries acting as 'world judge' after US captures Maduro

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing cannot accept any country acting as the "world's judge" after the United States captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

"We have never believed that any country can act as the world's police, nor do we accept that any nation can claim to ‍be the ⁠world's judge," Wang told his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar during a meeting in Beijing on Sunday, referring to "sudden developments in Venezuela" without directly mentioning the US.

_Reuters

Jan 5, 2026 07:01 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Delcy Rodríguez to be sworn in as president of Venezuela

The former vice president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, will be sworn in as president tomorrow in Caracas, at 08:00 local time (12:00 GMT).

Rodríguez has been acting as interim president of Venezuela since Saturday, when Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured by US military personnel.

Following his removal from the country, Rodríguez denounced Maduro's detention as a kidnapping and stressed that Venezuela would not become a colony of the US.

The former vice president was also the minister for oil in Venezuela, which is home to the world's largest proven oil reserves.

Jan 5, 2026 06:44 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Donald Trump warns of possible second strike on Venezuela

Donald Trump has warned that the US is ready to launch a second, larger attack on Venezuela if necessary, following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

-Reuters

Jan 5, 2026 06:42 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Donald Trump seeks total access to Venezuela's oil reserves

US President Donald Trump has announced that the US will take control of Venezuela's oil reserves.

-Reuters

Jan 5, 2026 06:35 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: People gather to celebrate the deposing of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

Reward posters are passed out at a gathering celebrating the deposing of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. (Photo: AP)

Jan 5, 2026 06:31 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Acting Venezuelan president holds first cabinet meeting – report

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, is holding the government’s first cabinet meeting since the weekend removal of Nicolás Maduro, the Guardian is reporting.

Jan 5, 2026 06:26 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: UK urges quick, peaceful transition in Venezuela

The UK government is calling for a swift and peaceful transfer of power in Venezuela following the US-led operation that ousted President Nicolás Maduro.

"I think the important thing now is that we are quickly able to get to a point where we can get to a peaceful transition to a president in Venezuela that has the support of the people of Venezuela," said Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Jan 5, 2026 06:10 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Edmundo González urges Venezuelan military to back him after US intervention

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González has called on the military to recognize him as the rightful president, citing the US military operation that ousted Nicolás Maduro.

"The events of the last few days have marked an inflection point in the recent history of Venezuela," González said in a video posted on social media.

"This moment marks an important step, but it is not enough." He emphasized the need for truth, justice, and reconciliation, adding, "Venezuela needs truth, justice and reconciliation, without impunity.

Nuestro compromiso es: lealtad al pueblo, a la libertad y al Estado de derecho.

Nunca traicionaremos nuestros principios, esa será la base de la reconstrucción de la nación.

Venezuela merece un futuro con derechos y esperanza. pic.twitter.com/a7IidGHYZH
— Edmundo González (@EdmundoGU) January 4, 2026

Jan 5, 2026 05:18 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Former CIA Deputy Director warns 'not clear' what plan is going forward

Former CIA Deputy Director John McLaughlin warns that the US operation in Venezuela highlights the close collaboration between intelligence agencies and the military, but questions remain about the plan moving forward.

"Generally, as a rule in military and clandestine operations, if you inflict violence you don't really know where it's going after that - even if you have a plan, an analysis, and assumptions," McLaughlin tells the BBC.

"In this case one of the big question marks is, where does Rodriguez, the acting president, really stand?... The most important thing after any operation is to know your plan for day after. In this case it's not clear."

Jan 5, 2026 04:37 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Rubio suggests US won't run Venezuela day-to-day

Secretary of State Macro Rubio suggested Sunday that the US would not take a day-to-day role in governing Venezuela, a turnaround after President Donald Trump announced a day earlier that the US would be running Venezuela following its ouster of leader Nicolas Maduro.

Rubio’s statements seemed designed to temper concerns about whether the assertive American action to achieve regime change might again produce a prolonged foreign intervention or failed attempt at nation-building. They stood in contrast to Trump’s broad but vague claims that the US would at least temporarily “run” the oil-rich nation.

Jan 5, 2026 04:28 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Still shaken': Trepidation in Venezuela after US captures Maduro

An anxious quiet fell over Venezuela's capital on Sunday as trepidation mixed with joy while a nation waited to see what comes next.

People were slow to resume routines in Caracas after President Nicolás Maduro was deposed and captured in a dramatic US military operation. Dozens of stores, restaurants and churches remained closed. Those on the streets looked shell-shocked, staring at their phones or into the distance.

“People are still shaken,” said 77-year-old David Leal, who arrived to work as a parking attendant but realised he likely would not have customers. He pointed to the deserted street, a few blocks from Venezuela's presidential palace, which was guarded by armed civilians and military personnel.

'May God give us strength'

-AP

Jan 5, 2026 01:07 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Restoring democracy in Venezuela requires respect for Venezuelan people's will, EU countries say

Except for Hungary, the 26 European Union countries on Sunday said there is a need for restraint by all actors in ‍Venezuela. The EU countries said it is necessary to respect the will of the people of Venezuela which is the only way to restore country's democracy.

In a statement, EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas and 26 EU countries said, "The European Union calls for calm and restraint by all actors, to avoid escalation and to ensure ‌a peaceful solution to the crisis."

The statement further added, "Respecting ‍the ⁠will of the Venezuelan people ⁠remains the only way ⁠for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve ‌the current crisis," Reuters reported.

Jan 5, 2026 12:52 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Venezuelan houses destroyed in US attack, no official figures on deaths

Some homes in the town of Catia La Mar near Venezuela's capital Caracas were damaged or destroyed in the US military operation that captured President Nicolas Maduro, residents told Reuters on Sunday, while officials reported an unspecified number of deaths.

Jonatan Mallora, a 50-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, and his neighbor ‍Angel ⁠Alvarez, a young street vendor, said they woke on Saturday to explosions in their community in La Guaira state, about 31 kilometers (19 miles) north of Caracas.

Venezuelan authorities have said the US hit ‌areas in La Guaira, Caracas and the neighboring states of Miranda and Aragua and that soldiers, civilians and much of Maduro's security team were killed, though they have not offered specific figures on dead and injured.

- Reuters

Jan 5, 2026 12:11 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Venezuela’s capital Caracas remains unusually quiet after US operation

Venezuela’s capital remained unusually quiet Sunday with few vehicles moving around and convenience stores, gas stations and other businesses closed. A road typically filled with runners, cyclists and other fitness enthusiasts on Sundays only had a handful of people working out the day after Maduro was deposed.

The presidential palace was guarded by armed civilians and members of the military. At a nearby plaza, only a street sweeper and a soldier stood, and across the street, a church remained close for a second day in a row. (AP)

Jan 4, 2026 11:40 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Rubio says US won’t govern Venezuela but will press for changes through oil blockade

Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Sunday that the United States would not take a day-to-day role in governing Venezuela other than enforcing an existing “oil quarantine” on the country, a turnaround after President Donald Trump announced a day earlier that the US would be running Venezuela following its ouster of leader Nicolás Maduro. (AP)

Jan 4, 2026 11:27 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Trump warns Venezuela VP Delcy Rodríguez in interview amid Maduro's capture

US President Donald Trump on ‍Sunday ⁠said Venezuelan Vice President Delcy ‌Rodríguez may pay a bigger price than ‌deposed leader Nicolas Maduro "if she doesn't ‌do ‌what's right," ‌according ‍to ⁠an interview with ⁠The Atlantic magazine.

Jan 4, 2026 11:10 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Republican questions Trump's plan to 'run' Venezuela

US Republican chair of the Senate intelligence committee, Tom Cotton, acknowledged during an interview on CNN on Sunday that there were “still a lot of questions to be answered” about what will happen next in Venezuela after the US forces captured disposed leader Nicolas Maduro.

"The president wants to give them a chance to turn the page in Venezuela and to help America achieve our policy goals there. We want them to stop the drug trafficking. We want them to kick out the Iranians, the Cubans, the Islamic radicals," Cotton said.

Jan 4, 2026 10:58 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Maduro capture not about oil,' says top Trump aide Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied the claims that President Donald Trump's administration's move to attack Venezuela and capture its deposed leader Nicolas Maduro was about making it easier for the US oil companies to make deals.

"What happened here is that we arrested a narcotrafficker who’s now going to stand trial in the United States for the crimes he’s committed against our people for 15 years," Rubio told CBS News on Sunday.

(Read full report)

Jan 4, 2026 10:23 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US Vice President Vance defends Venezuela policy, citing drug trafficking, oil disputes

US Vice President JD Vance pushed back against the criticism of America's action in Venezuela after the American forces captured President Nicolas Maduro and brought him to New York after arresting him. Vance said Venezuela has played a significant role in global drug trafficking and has long benefited from expropriated American oil assets.

"I want to address this: First off, fentanyl isn't the only drug in the world and there is still fentanyl coming from Venezuela (or at least there was). If you cut out the money from cocaine (or even reduce it) you substantially weaken the cartels overall. Also, cocaine is bad too," Vance wrote in a post on X.

You see a lot claims that Venezuela has nothing to do with drugs because most of the fentanyl comes from elsewhere. I want to address this:

First off, fentanyl isn't the only drug in the world and there is still fentanyl coming from Venezuela (or at least there was).

Second,…
— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 4, 2026

Jan 4, 2026 10:15 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Maduro's security team mostly killed in US raid, says Venezuela defence minister

Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López on Sunday informed that "much of" deposed President Nicolás Maduro’s security team members were killed during the raid by United States' forces on Saturday.

In a video address, Lopez said, "The raid saw the cold-bloodedly killing (of) much of his security team, soldiers, and innocent civilians," CNN reported.

Jan 4, 2026 10:09 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Trump isn’t ruling out US troops in Venezuela, says Secretary Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that President Donald Trump doesn't want to publicly rule out the possibility of putting US troops in Venezuela or America's occupation of Venezuela. This comes after Trump administration captured deposed leader Nicolas Maduro in an operation on Saturday.

"He does not feel like he is going to publicly rule out options that are available for the United States, even though (troops on the ground is) not what you’re seeing right now. What you’re seeing right now is an oil quarantine that allows us to exert tremendous leverage over what happens next," Rubio told CBS News.

Jan 4, 2026 09:56 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Top Trump aide Rubio says US is 'running policy' in Venezuela

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during an interview with NBC News on Sunday, was asked about President Donald Trump's statement wherein he said that the US will be running Venezuela for the time being.

Rubio said, "Well, it’s not running — it’s running the policy. We want Venezuela to move in a certain direction because not only do we think it’s good for the people of Venezuela, it’s in our national interest, it either touches on something that’s a threat to our national security or touches on something that’s either beneficial or harmful."

Jan 4, 2026 09:39 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Cuban government 'a huge problem' says Secretary of State Rubio amid Venezuela action

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Cuban government is “a huge problem” and highlighted how it was Cubans and not Venezuelans, who were guarding Caracas' deposed leader Nicolas Maduro before his capture by the US forces.

Without directly mentioning that Cuba would be the next target of Trump administration, Rubio told NBC News, "I think they’re in a lot of trouble. I’m not going to talk to you about what our future steps are going to be and our policies are going to be right now, in this regard, but I don’t think it’s any mystery that we are not big fans of the Cuban regime."

Jan 4, 2026 09:23 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Venezuela's interim government says it remains united behind Maduro after his US capture

A top Venezuelan official declared on Sunday that the country's government would stay unified behind President Nicolas Maduro, whose capture by the US has sparked deep uncertainty about what is next for the oil-rich South American nation.

Maduro is in a New York detention center awaiting a Monday court appearance on drug charges, after US President Donald Trump ordered his removal and said the US would take control of Venezuela. But in Caracas, top officials in Maduro's government, who have called the detentions of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores a kidnapping, were still in charge.

"Here, the unity of the revolutionary force is more than guaranteed, and here there is only one president, whose name is Nicolas Maduro Moros. Let no one fall for the enemy's provocations," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said.

- Reuters

Jan 4, 2026 08:31 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US to lift Caribbean airspace curbs after attack on Venezuela

United States has advised the airlines on Saturday that its curb on on Caribbean airspace would end at midnight ET (5AM GMT) and flights can resume their operations as schedules get swiftly updated, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.

This comes after hundreds of flights were cancelled by airlines amid US forces launching an attack on Venezuela and capturing its deposed leader Nicolas Maduro.

UPDATE: The original restrictions around the Caribbean airspace are expiring at 12:00am ET and flights can resume.

Airlines are informed, and will update their schedules quickly. Please continue to work with your airline if your flight was affected by the restrictions. https://t.co/5Cv46Xnjy4
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) January 4, 2026

Jan 4, 2026 07:16 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: UK calls for ‘peaceful transition' after US operation to capture Venezuela President

The UK on Sunday called for a “safe and peaceful transition” of power in Venezuela after a US operation ordered by President Donald Trump on the South American nation resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain has long opposed Maduro's actions and awaited full details of the strikes conducted by the US. He reiterated support for “international law” but refused to be drawn further on Trump's actions over a "fast-moving" situation.

“The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime,” said Starmer, in a statement issued by 10 Downing Street in London.

- PTI

Jan 4, 2026 06:36 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Who is Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s interim president after Maduro’s capture?

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been ordered by the country's top court to take over as the interim president after a dramatic capture of deposed leader Nicolas Maduro by US military early on Saturday.

Rodríguez has been critical against foreign intervention and the opposition since she started under former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. However, her appointment is also bound to create a power struggle in the country with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won the Nobel Prize for peace in 2025.

(Read full story)

Jan 4, 2026 06:28 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Investors face more geopolitical whiplash from Trump's Venezuela gamble

Global investors are facing a fresh surge in geopolitical risk after the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a move that could unlock the nation's vast oil reserves and boost risky assets over the longer-term but prompt a flight to safety when trading resumes.

President Donald Trump said the US would take control of the oil-producing nation, while Maduro, whom the US has repeatedly accused of running a "narco-state" and rigging elections, was in a New York detention centre on Sunday awaiting charges. Washington has not made such a direct intervention in Latin America since the invasion of Panama in 1989.

"The events are a reminder that geopolitical tensions continue to dominate ‍the headlines ⁠and drive the markets," said Marchel Alexandrovich, an economist at Saltmarsh Economics.

- Reuters

Jan 4, 2026 06:20 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Where is Nicolas Maduro now and what's next for the Venezuela's leader

After he was arrested in the capital city of Caracas, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro was flown out of the country in a US helicopter and was taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima. A picture shared by the US President Donald Trump showed the deposed Venezuelan leader.

Maduro landed at a small airport in New York on Saturday afternoon (local time) and was taken to the offices of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Venezuela's leader Maduro was then transferred from the DEA office in Manhattan to Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, BBC reported.

Jan 4, 2026 04:55 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Following developments in Venezuela soul full of concern: Pope Leo

Pope Leo said he ‍was ⁠following developments in Venezuela after the ‌United States' toppling of President Nicolas Maduro a day earlier ‌with a "soul full of concern".

Leo, the first ‌U.S. ‌pope, called for ‌Venezuela ‍to ⁠remain an independent country ⁠and respect of ⁠human rights.

Jan 4, 2026 04:33 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Oman reaffirms support for international law

Oman's foreign ministry says it reaffirms support for international law and respect for sovereignty a day after US attacked Venezuela and captured President Maduro, Reuters reported.

Jan 4, 2026 04:15 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Sri Lanka's JVP condemns US' invasion of Venezuela

Sri Lanka's ruling party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on Sunday condemned the US' invasion of Venezuela and abduction of democratically elected President Nicholas Maduro and his wife.

“We believe that nobody will approve of the forceful military aggression against Venezuela by the United States of America,” JVP, a major stakeholder in the ruling National People's Power (NPP), said in a statement.

Jan 4, 2026 03:43 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty'

The Foreign Ministry of the DPRK strongly denounces the US hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela, Reuters reported. "US strikes on Venezuela is the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty."

Jan 4, 2026 03:01 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Unlawful use of force against a sovereign state'

Malaysia’s prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said he is "following the developments in Venezuela with concern" and said the US attack on the South American country was “unusual in its scope and nature”.

‘“Such actions constitute a clear violation of international law and amount to an unlawful use of force against a sovereign state,” he wrote in a post on X.

I have followed developments in Venezuela with grave concern. The leader of Venezuela and his wife were seized in a United States military operation of unusual scope and nature. Such actions constitute a clear violation of international law and amount to an unlawful use of force… pic.twitter.com/9C1Fz1bppx
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) January 4, 2026

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Jan 4, 2026 02:41 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: China asks US to release Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife ‘at once'

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: China on Sunday called on the United States to release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife “at once” and “resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation.” “China expresses grave concern over the US forcibly seizing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country”, a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement here said.

The move is in clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, it said.

“China calls on the US to ensure the personal safety of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation," it added.

The ministry earlier on Saturday condemned the US airstrikes on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro and his wife, describing it as a hegemonic act that seriously violates international law.

- PTI

Jan 4, 2026 02:19 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Nicolas Maduro ‘had his chance’, says White House in new video

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: The White House shared a video on X and captioned it as, "Nicolas Maduro had his chance — until he didn’t. The Trump Admin will always defend American citizens against all threats, foreign and domestic."

Nicolas Maduro had his chance — until he didn’t.

The Trump Admin will always defend American citizens against all threats, foreign and domestic. 🇺🇸🦅 pic.twitter.com/eov3GbBXf4
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 4, 2026

Jan 4, 2026 01:37 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Starlink to provide free broadband service to the people of Venezuela

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk announced that Starlink would provide free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3 to ensure continued connectivity amid the evolving situation in the country.

"In support of the people of Venezuela," Musk said on X, sharing a post by Starlink on the announcement.

In support of the people of Venezuela 🇻🇪 https://t.co/JKxOFWsikP
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 4, 2026

Jan 4, 2026 01:22 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: India reaffirms its support for the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: India reaffirms its support for the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region.

The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance.

Jan 4, 2026 01:20 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern,' says MEA

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: "Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region. The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Jan 4, 2026 12:36 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Maduro's ouster sparks celebrations among Venezuelans in South Florida

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Revellers chanted “liberty” and draped Venezuelan flags over their shoulders in South Florida on Saturday to celebrate the US military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro and remove him from the country — a stunning outcome they had longed for but left them wondering what comes next in their troubled homeland.

For some Venezuelan natives, the military action — culminating months of stepped-up US pressure — brought their dreams of reuniting with loved ones closer to reality after years of heartbreaking separations.

People gathered for a rally in Doral — the Miami suburb where President Donald Trump has a golf resort and where roughly half the population is of Venezuelan descent — as word spread that Venezuela's now-deposed president had been captured and flown out of the country.

Outside El Arepazo restaurant, a hub of the Venezuelan culture of Doral, one man held a piece of cardboard with “Libertad” scrawled with a black marker. It was a sentiment expressed by other native Venezuelans hoping for a new beginning for their home country as they chanted “Liberty! Liberty! Liberty!" "We're like everybody — it's a combination of feelings, of course," said Alejandra Arrieta, who came to the US in 1997. "There's fears. There's excitement. There's so many years that we've been waiting for this. Something had to happen in Venezuela. We all need the freedom.”

- AP

Jan 4, 2026 11:45 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: What we know so far?

Here's a quick look at what you need to know:

Capture: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by US special forces in a nighttime operation in Caracas.

Operation: The operation, codenamed "Absolute Resolve", involved over 150 aircraft, including B1 bombers, F-35 and F-18 fighter jets, and surveillance aircraft.

Charges: Maduro faces charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machineguns and destructive devices.

Location: Maduro is being held in New York's Metropolitan Detention Center.

Global Reaction: The international community has reacted mixedly, with some countries condemning the US action and others supporting it.

Venezuela's Response: Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez has been named interim president, and the country has declared a national state of emergency.

Jan 4, 2026 11:24 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Who is Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s interim president after Maduro’s capture?

With President Nicolas Maduro in US’s custody after his dramatic capture on Saturday, Venezuela’s top court has ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to take over as interim president.

Rodriguez served as Maduro’s vice president since 2018 and was next in line after Maduro. However, her appointment is also expected to trigger a power struggle with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who recently won the Nobel Prize and is widely believed to secure a landslide victory in any free and fair election.

Read the full story here.

Jan 4, 2026 10:45 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Starlink provides free broadband to Venezuela

Starlink says it is providing free broadband service to Venezuela following the large-scale US strikes on the South American country.

In a in a post on X, external Starlink said it was providing free access "to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity".

The satellite internet provider is part of SpaceX, run and founded by Elon Musk.

Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity.
— Starlink (@Starlink) January 4, 2026

Jan 4, 2026 10:22 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Airspace over Caribbean to reopen, US transportation secretary says

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said ‍on ⁠Saturday the restrictions around the ‌Caribbean airspace would expire at midnight ET (0500 GMT) ‌and flights could resume.

Airlines were informed ‌and ‌will update ‌their ‍schedules quickly, ⁠Duffy posted ⁠on X.

UPDATE: The original restrictions around the Caribbean airspace are expiring at 12:00am ET and flights can resume.

Airlines are informed, and will update their schedules quickly. Please continue to work with your airline if your flight was affected by the restrictions. https://t.co/5Cv46Xnjy4
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) January 4, 2026

Jan 4, 2026 09:33 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Maduro arrives at detention centre in Brooklyn - reports

A Rapid Response video clip shows Maduro walking in handcuffs, surrounded by security officers. In the footage, he can be heard saying “good night” and “happy new year” as he is escorted away a moment that contrasts sharply with his former position of power.

Perp walked.pic.twitter.com/34iIsFUDdG
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 4, 2026

Jan 4, 2026 09:28 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: All you need to know about Delta Force, the US Military special mission unit that captured Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro

US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation that sent shockwaves across the world was reportedly carried out by the Delta Force, a US military top special mission unit.

Read the full story here.

Jan 4, 2026 09:04 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer or stronger, says Kamala

Kamala Harris slams Trump's Venezuela move, saying, 'This is not about drugs or democracy. It's about oil and Trump's desire to play regional strongman,' in a post on X, criticizing the administration's priorities and warning of chaos and costs for American families."

"The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home," she added.

Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.

That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that…
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 4, 2026

Jan 4, 2026 08:20 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Venezuela's Supreme Court orders Delcy Rodriguez become interim president

The Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered on Saturday that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assume the role of acting president ‍of the ⁠country in the absence of Nicolás Maduro, who was detained early Saturday morning in an ‌operation by US forces.

The court ruling said that Rodríguez would assume "the office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in order to guarantee administrative ‌continuity and the comprehensive defense of the Nation."

Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez takes part in talks with the Russian Foreign Minister during in Moscow. (Photo: AP)

Jan 4, 2026 08:13 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: At least 40 killed in US strike on Caracas as forces capture Maduro and fly him to New York

At least 40 people including civilians and soldiers were killed in the US attack on Caracas early Saturday, according to a senior Venezuelan official who spoke to The New York Times on condition of anonymity, citing early reports.

Read the full story here.

Jan 4, 2026 07:59 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Nicolas Maduro lands in Brooklyn, Metropolitan Detention Center

Nicolas Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan leader, arrived in Brooklyn, with law enforcement officers rushing to secure the Metropolitan Detention Center. Nearby, around 100 demonstrators, many wearing Venezuelan flags, cheered from behind police barricades.

Jaky Coronado, 45, who arrived in the US over a year ago, waited four hours to catch a glimpse of Maduro, saying, "He must pay for all the crimes against humanity that he has committed against the Venezuelan people"

Demonstrators celebrate the arrival of captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at the Metropolitan Detention Center. (Photo: AP)

Jan 4, 2026 07:24 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US Defense Secretary sees economic benefits in Maduro capture

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told CBS News that Americans will benefit from Nicolás Maduro's capture, citing access to Venezuela's wealth and resources.

"We can ensure that we have access to additional wealth and resources, enabling a country to unleash that, without having to spend American blood," he said, highlighting the potential economic gains from Maduro's removal.

Jan 4, 2026 07:22 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: UN Secretary-General 'deeply alarmed' by US actions in Venezuela

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has voiced his concern over the escalation between the US and Venezuela culminating in the capture of the country's President Nicolás Maduro, saying the developments constitute a “dangerous precedent”.

The secretary general is “deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today's United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region”, a statement issued by his spokesperson said on Saturday.

Jan 4, 2026 07:20 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Maduro and wife transported to Metropolitan Detention Center

Nicolás Maduro has arrived in Brooklyn, with his helicopter landing near the Metropolitan Detention Center, where he'll be held, according to a law enforcement official. The Venezuelan president is expected to face federal drug charges in Manhattan.

Jan 4, 2026 06:55 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: What charges does Maduro face?

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.

The couple is expected to face trial in the US, with the booking process already underway. They'll undergo medical checks and biometrics before being arraigned, possibly as soon as Monday.

Jan 4, 2026 06:13 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: ‘Today is the day of freedom,’ Venezuelan diaspora says after Nicolas Maduro’s removal

Venezuelan migrants in many countries celebrated on Saturday after the US-led removal of President Nicolas Maduro, whose time in power coincided with one of the world’s largest migration movements, Reuters reported.

People gathered in cities across Latin America and in Spain, where Venezuelans said they were happy about Maduro’s capture and were thinking about what may come next.

Read the full story here.

Jan 4, 2026 05:58 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Van thought to be carrying Maduro leaves heliport

A van believed to be carrying the Venezuelan president Maduro and his wife has been photographed leaving the Westside Heliport.

Law enforcement personnel and vehicles wait outside the West 30th Street Heliport for the arrival of captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Jan 4, 2026 05:47 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: In Photos| Helicopter believed to be carrying Maduro touches down in Manhattan

The helicopters landed at the Westside Heliport in Manhattan.

Helicopters carrying captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores land at the West 30th Street Heliport, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

A motorcade carrying captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, departs the West 30th Street Heliport, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Jan 4, 2026 05:32 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Venezuelan exiles gather at US base, awaiting Maduro's arrival

A small group of protesters, including Alexander Silva, a 36-year-old warehouse worker from Newburgh who fled Venezuela in 2022, gathered at the Stewart Air National Guard Base, draped in Venezuelan flags, watching for any sign of ousted President Nicolás Maduro. "I wanted them to see that this really had happened," Silva said in Spanish, "that the dictatorship had been demolished. (The New York Times)

Jan 4, 2026 05:11 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Nicolas Maduro on a US warship, will face prosecution in New York, says Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were aboard the US warship Iwo Jima and headed to New York, where they will face prosecution.

Read the full story here.

Jan 4, 2026 04:52 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Maduro likely be taken to Brooklyn detention centre, US media reports

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has arrived in New York and is set to face federal charges. He's expected to be taken to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a notorious jail that's handled high-profile cases like R Kelly, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sean "Diddy" Combs. From there, he'll likely appear in Manhattan federal court next week to face drug and weapons charges.

Jan 4, 2026 04:49 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US attack on Venezuela kills at least 40, including civilians

A US attack on Venezuela has reportedly killed at least 40 people, including civilians and soldiers, according to a senior Venezuelan official who spoke anonymously to The New York Times. The victims include Rosa González, a woman killed when her three-story apartment complex was hit by a strike, and another resident who was severely injured.

Jan 4, 2026 04:41 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Canada condemns Maduro regime, welcomes opportunity for Venezuelan democracy

In response to today’s events, Canada’s PM Mark Carney wrote on X: "One of the first actions taken by Canada's new government in March 2025 was to impose additional sanctions on Nicolás Maduro's brutally oppressive and criminal regime."

Carney emphasized Canada's commitment to upholding democracy and human rights, saying, "Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people".

One of the first actions taken by Canada’s new government in March 2025 was to impose additional sanctions on Nicolás Maduro’s brutally oppressive and criminal regime — unequivocally condemning his grave breaches of international peace and security, gross and systematic human…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) January 3, 2026

Jan 4, 2026 04:36 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Nicolás Maduro ‘has arrived in New York’

A plane believed to be carrying Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, has landed near Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York.

Maduro is expected to be taken by helicopter to the city where he will be processed and transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center prison, officials told NBC News.

They added the Venezuela president is set to appear in court by Monday evening.

Jan 4, 2026 04:31 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: United Nations to hold emergency security council meeting

The UN Security Council is set to meet on Monday to discuss the US military action in Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro was captured and is being held en route to New York to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and weapons.

Colombia, backed by Russia and China, requested the meeting, citing concerns over the US operation. Venezuela's UN ambassador, Samuel Moncada, condemned the action as a "colonial war" aimed at destroying their government and plundering natural resources, including the world's largest oil reserves.

Protesters demonstrate in front of Stewart Air National Guard Base before the arrival of captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Newburgh, N.Y. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Jan 4, 2026 04:16 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Large group disembarks plane including person believed to be Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has arrived in US federal custody at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York, ahead of his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court.

A group of people, believed to include Maduro, were seen disembarking a plane and making their way across the tarmac, with one figure being led by the group.

🚨Just Now: Maduro was seen being escorted off the plane by multiple federal agents in NYC

He was seen in shackles and blindfolded pic.twitter.com/TcOLT6rhmN
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) January 3, 2026

Jan 4, 2026 12:59 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani called US capture of Maduro ‘an act of war’

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has criticised the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by the US Military. Mamdani, who took the oath as the Mayor of New York City just two days ago, called it ‘an act of war and a violation of federal and international law.’

Read the full story here.

Jan 4, 2026 12:09 AM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Venezuela’s UN ambassador says his country has right to self defense

Venezuela’s UN ambassador said his country has the right to self defense in a letter sent to the UN Security Council on Saturday.

Samuel Reinaldo Moncada Acosta requested an urgent meeting of the 15-member council and condemnation and cessation of US actions in a letter obtained by The Associated Press.

“What began more than four months ago as a police fantasy is now showing its true face: this is a colonial war aimed at destroying our republican form of government, freely chosen by our people, and at imposing a puppet government that allows the plundering of our natural resources, including the world’s largest oil reserves,” Acosta wrote.

Jan 3, 2026 11:32 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Machado 'doesn’t have the respect' to be Venezuela's leader, says Trump

Donald Trump said Marco Rubio has spoken to the Venezuelan VP to make that country ‘great again. He also said that it would be “very tough” for opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado to become president.

“She doesn’t have the support or the respect within the country. She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect,” Trump said.

Jan 3, 2026 11:27 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US officials such as Rubio, Hegseth and Caine will be running Venezuela, says Trump

When asked who would be running Venezuela, Trump said, “the people that are standing right behind me” are going to be running it “for a period of time.”

Jan 3, 2026 11:10 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Not afraid of boots on the ground, says Trump

When asked if the US would deploy troops in Venezuela, Trump said, “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground.”

“We had boots on the ground last night at a very high level, actually, we’re not afraid of it,” Trump said. “We don’t mind saying it, but we’re going to make sure that that country is run properly. We’re not doing this in vain.”

Trump, however, later clarified that US would put troops in Venezuela for the purposes of securing oil and not to run the country.

Jan 3, 2026 11:05 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Soon, Cuba will be something that we will be talking about, says Rubio

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is hinting that Cuba could be the next target of the Trump administration’s push to restore American dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

Rubio said he would be a bit concerned if he were a Cuban government official following the overnight US military operation in Venezuela that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Jan 3, 2026 10:59 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Studied Maduro for months before the operation

The US military spent months studying Maduro to "understand how he moved, where he lived, where he traveled, what he ate, what he wore, what were his pets were," Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine said.

Jan 3, 2026 10:56 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US aircraft hit in Venezuela operation remained flyable

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said Saturday that one US aircraft was struck during the operation to capture Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela but remained operational throughout the mission.

Jan 3, 2026 10:52 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US companies to 'start making money' for Venezuela, says Trump

US companies will enter Venezuela, spend billions, and “start making money for the country,” Trump said.

Jan 3, 2026 10:50 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Maduro effed around and he found out, says Pete Hegseth

“Nicolás Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance until they didn’t, and until he didn’t. He effed around and he found out,” US Defence Secretary Hegseth said.

Jan 3, 2026 10:41 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Operation involved over 150 aircraft, says US top military officer

US top military officer General John Caine said over 150 aircraft were involved in the operation to capture Maduro.

Jan 3, 2026 10:35 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US will continue role in Venezuela until 'safe' transition, says Trump

President Donald Trump ‍said ⁠on Saturday the United States ‌would continue to oversee its involvement in ‌Venezuela “until such time as we ‌can do ‌a safe, ‌proper ‍and ⁠judicious transition,” signaling ⁠an open-ended U.S. ⁠role.

Jan 3, 2026 10:33 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Embargo on Venezuelan oil remains': Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump in his address following the capture of Maduro specified that an embargo on all Venezuelan oil remains in full effect.

Jan 3, 2026 10:19 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: MEA issues advisory

Hours after the US snooped in and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued and advisory. "In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas through their email id: cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288 (also for WhatsApp calls)," the ministry said.

Jan 3, 2026 10:10 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Trump releases Maduro's 1st pic after capture

US President Donald Trump took to social media to release the first photo of Maduro onboard a warship after the US Delta Force captured him following an attack. (Photo: Truth Social/Donald Trump)

Jan 3, 2026 09:58 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Military operation...violates the principle of not resorting to force'

"The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro violates the principle of not resorting to force, that underpins international law. France reiterates that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside and that only sovereign people themselves can decide their future," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on X.

Jan 3, 2026 09:30 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Israel welcomes removal of Maduro

Israel welcomed the removal of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, its foreign minister ‍said ⁠on Saturday, after he was captured and deposed by ‌the United States.

"Israel welcomes the removal of the dictator who led a network of drugs ‌and terror and hopes for the return ‌of democracy to ‌the country and ‌for friendly ‍relations ⁠between the states," Israeli Foreign ⁠Minister Gideon ⁠Saar said on X. — Reuters

Jan 3, 2026 09:07 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Edmundo Gonzales should assume presidency'

Hours after the US attack, Venezuela Opposition Leader Marina Corina Machado in a letter said Edmundo Gonzales should assume presidency.

Jan 3, 2026 09:05 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Maduro removed after refusing to negotiate': Machado reacts to US action

Venezuela Opposition Leader Marina Corina Machado says Maduro was removed after refusing to negotiate. She also said she will bring order in the country and free political prisoners.

Jan 3, 2026 08:59 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Maduro newest to find out President Trump means what he says': JD Vance reacts to US action

Taking to X, US Vice President J D Vance said, "The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says. Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation."

The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says.

Kudos to our brave… pic.twitter.com/b1fqkdbB4x
— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 3, 2026

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Jan 3, 2026 08:43 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Nicolas Maduro is not the first foreign head of state be captured by US, these are the others

The capture of Maduro, a sitting head of state, by the US has sent shockwaves across the world.

But this is not the first time the US has captured or abducted a sitting head of state. The US often relies on a legal princle know as the Ker-Frisbie Doctrine to justify such abductions.

Read this to know who else were captured by the US

Jan 3, 2026 08:20 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Never seen anything like this', says Trump

Moments after the attack, US President Donald Trump said "I've never seen anything like this."

Watch him speak to Fox News here:

"I've never seen anything like this. I was able to watch it in real time, and I watched every aspect of it," says @POTUS on the U.S. capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

"It was amazing to see the professionalism — the quality of leadership... Amazing." 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/VZvRxZRgab
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 3, 2026

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Jan 3, 2026 08:11 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Maduro and wife will be taken to New York, says Trump

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia ‍Flores ⁠were taken to a ship after their capture ‌by U.S. forces and will be transported to New ‌York, U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox ‌News ‌on Saturday.

Trump said ‌both ‍Maduro ⁠and his wife ⁠had been ⁠indicted in New York. — Reuters

Jan 3, 2026 07:47 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Few injuries, no deaths on our side from Venezuela operation, says Trump

The U.S. forces ‍that ⁠captured Venezuelan President Nicolas ‌Maduro on Saturday suffered a ‌few injuries and no ‌deaths, President ‌Donald ‌Trump ‍told ⁠Fox News.

Jan 3, 2026 07:28 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Which countries backed Trump, which opposed the move?

Governments and political leaders across the world reacted sharply Saturday after the United States launched pre-dawn military strikes on Venezuela, and President Donald Trump said President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. Find out which countries supported and which ones opposed Trump's action here

Jan 3, 2026 06:58 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Brazil says US crossed 'unacceptable line' over military strikes on Venezuela

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday condemned the U.S. military attack ‍on ⁠neighbor Venezuela and the capture of his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, ‌calling it the crossing of "an unacceptable line."

"These acts represent a grave affront to Venezuela's sovereignty and yet another extremely ‌dangerous precedent for the entire international community," Lula ‌said in a ‌post on X.

Lula had previously ‌said ‍that ⁠an armed intervention in Venezuela would be ⁠a "humanitarian catastrophe", ⁠and has offered Brazil to mediate disputes ‌between the countries. — Reuters

Jan 3, 2026 06:38 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Maduro, wife face charges for narco-terrorism, possession of machineguns and more

Taking to X, US Attorney General Pamela Bondi said, "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers."

Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess…
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 3, 2026

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Jan 3, 2026 06:27 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'We were not involved': British PM Starmer reacts to US attack

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his country was not involved in the United States' strikes ‍on ⁠Venezuela and that he wanted to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump ‌and find out the full facts of what had happened.

"I want to establish the facts first. I want to ‌speak to President Trump. I want to speak ‌to allies. I can ‌be absolutely clear that we were ‌not ‍involved ... ⁠and I always say and believe we ⁠should all uphold ⁠international law," he said in a ‌statement to British broadcasters.

Jan 3, 2026 06:01 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Maduro, wife to face charges after NY indictment'

US Attorney General says deposed Venezuelan leader Maduro and wife Cilia Flores to face charges after NY indictment

Jan 3, 2026 05:55 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: When María Corina Machado urged Americans to trust Trump

In an earlier interview to Fox and Friends, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado had urged Americans to trust the Trump administration’s strategy against Nicolás Maduro.

Watch the video here:

FLASHBACK: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado urged Americans to trust the Trump administration’s strategy against Nicolás Maduro.

“This is not a legitimate president. This is the head of a criminal structure that was already defeated in a presidential election by… pic.twitter.com/aVYsfGzQx3
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) January 3, 2026

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Jan 3, 2026 05:44 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Zone of Peace being brutally assaulted': Cuba

Reacting to the US attack on Venezuela, Cuba said the "Zone of Peace" is being brutally assaulted. It also denounced the "state terrorism" against Venezuelan people.

Jan 3, 2026 05:38 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Russia calls Maduro's capture 'unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state'

The Russian foreign ministry said on Saturday it was extremely concerned by reports that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro ‍and ⁠his wife had been forcibly removed from the country during "aggressive actions" by the United ‌States.

"We call for immediate clarification of this situation. Such actions, if they did indeed take place, constitute an unacceptable violation of the ‌sovereignty of an independent state, respect for which is ‌a key principle of ‌international law," the ministry said in a ‌statement. — Reuters

Jan 3, 2026 05:09 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Why US attacked Venezuela and ‘captured’ President Nicolás Maduro: What we know so far

The United States launched a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela early Saturday and claimed that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country, a dramatic escalation in Washington’s months-long pressure campaign against the South American nation.

Find out here why the US launched an attack

Jan 3, 2026 04:47 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'Guaira Port severely damaged'

According to a Reuters report quoting a PDVSA executive, Venezuela's Guaira Port was severely damaged in the US attacks. PDVSA is a Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company.

Jan 3, 2026 04:31 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni closely monitoring situation in Venezuela

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday in ‍a ⁠note she was "closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela", ‌also with an aim "to gathering information about our fellow citizens" in the ‌country.

Meloni added she was in constant ‌contact with ‌Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio ‌Tajani.

Around ‍160,000 ⁠Italians currently live in ⁠Venezuela, most ⁠of them with dual citizenship. — Reuters

Jan 3, 2026 04:18 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Belgium coordinating with European partners to monitor situation in Venezuela, foreign minister says

Belgium is coordinating with European partners in order to closely monitor ‍the ⁠situation in Venezuela, the country's foreign affairs minister said ‌on Saturday.

"Our embassy in Bogotá, which is responsible for Venezuela, and our services in Brussels ‌are fully mobilized. The situation is being closely ‌monitored, in ‌coordination with our ‌European partners," Belgian ‍Deputy ⁠Prime Minister and Foreign ⁠Affairs Minister Maxime ⁠Prevot said in a post ‌on X. — Reuters

Jan 3, 2026 04:04 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: 'It was a brilliant operation': Trump tells NYT

US President Donald Trump told the ‍New ⁠York Times on Saturday that "a lot ‌of good planning" went into U.S. strikes on Venezuela ‌that resulted in the capture of the ‌country's ‌president, Nicolas ‌Maduro.

"It ‍was ⁠a brilliant operation, ⁠actually," Trump ⁠said. — Reuters

Jan 3, 2026 03:51 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Germany reacts to US attack, says Embassy crisis team to meet later in the day

The German Foreign Ministry said it is watching the developments in Venezuela closely and with great concern. It added that it is in close contact with its Embassy in Caracas and informed that the crisis team will meet later in the day.

Jan 3, 2026 03:46 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Latin America must remain zone of peace, says Russia

Reacting to the US attack on Venezuela, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, "Venezuelans must be guaranteed right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, military intervention from outside." It added that Latin America must remain a zone of peace.

Jan 3, 2026 03:43 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Spain offers to negotiate peace

Amid US action in Venezuela, Spain has offered to be a negotiator to "help find peaceful solution" in the country, the Reuters reported.

Jan 3, 2026 03:35 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Venezuelan government calls it an 'imperialist attack'

The Venezuelan government called it an “imperialist attack” and urged citizens to take to the streets.

It was not immediately clear who was running the country, and Nicolas Maduro's whereabouts were not immediately known. Trump announced the developments on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 am ET. — PTI

Jan 3, 2026 03:26 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: South Korean President orders protection of South Koreans in Venezuela

South Korea President Lee Jay Myung has ordered protection of South Korean nationals in Venezuela and to prepare for their withdrawal if needed, the Reuters reported.

Jan 3, 2026 03:17 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Maduro captured by Delta Force: Report

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by the Delta Force, the Reuters reported quoting a CBS News report. Moments ago, US President Donald Trump said that the United States had ‍captured ⁠Maduro and his wife, and flown them ‌out of the country.

Jan 3, 2026 03:06 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Trump says US has captured Venezuela President Maduro

U S President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the United States had ‍captured ⁠Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and flown them ‌out of the country.

"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike ‌against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas ‌Maduro, who has ‌been, along with his ‌wife, ‍captured ⁠and flown out of the ⁠Country", Trump said ⁠in a Truth Social post. — Reuters

Jan 3, 2026 03:03 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Some strikes hit civilian areas, says Defence Minister

Venezuela Defence Minister Padrino said some strikes hit civilian areas. According to Reuters, he said there is no presence of foreign troops in the country and that Venezuela will resist any form of aggression.

Jan 3, 2026 02:47 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Iran slams US over Caracas strike; forebodes consequences beyond Venezuelan borders

Iranian news agency, West Asia News Agency reports that the nation's Foreign Ministry has slammed the United States over its alleged military action against Venezuela. Iran called the attack a "clear breach of the South American nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Iran further said the US military strike amounted to an outright act of aggression and directly violated core principles of the United Nations Charter. It specifically cited Article 2(4), which bars the use of force in international relations, stressing that such actions run counter to international law and endanger both regional and global peace and security.

The statement further cautioned that the fallout from the attack would not be limited to Venezuela alone. It argued that repeated military interventions of this kind hasten the weakening of the UN Charter-based international order and undermine the concept of collective security. Iran urged the United Nations and governments that uphold international law, peace and stability to firmly denounce the attack.

The US has not yet confirmed if it was involved in the attacks.

Jan 3, 2026 02:37 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US Embassy warns against travel to Venezuela, advises Americans in Caracas to seek shelter

The US Embassy Bogota (Colombia) has warned US citizens against travelling to Venezuela and advised those already in the country to seek shelter. In a statement after the missile strikes, the embassy said, "Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level – Level 4: Do Not Travel – due to severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. The Travel Advisory from December 3, 2025, states all U.S. citizens in Venezuela are strongly advised to depart immediately."

In March 2019, the US Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from US Embassy Caracas and suspended operations. All consular services, routine and emergency, remain suspended. The US government has no ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.

Jan 3, 2026 02:24 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US engaged in attacks inside Venezuela, says US official

News agency Reuters cites a US official as saying that the United ‍States ⁠is carrying out strikes inside ‌Venezuela. No detail was provided, though. Earlier, US broadcaster CBS cited two officials, who said the attack on Venezuela's capita Caracas was ordered by US President Donald Trump.

Jan 3, 2026 02:20 PM IST

Venezuela Attacks LIVE Updates: Which locations were hit in the attacks on Caracas?

Spokesperson for Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado David Smolansky was quoted by CBS News that strategic military bases were hit in the attacks on Caracas today. Among the locations were:

Fuerte Tiuna — the main military base in Caracas

La Carlota — the main airbase in Caracas

El Volcán — signal antenna

La Guaira Port — a seaport on the Caribbean coast

Jan 3, 2026 02:16 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: Venezuela govt accuses Trump of risking millions of lives with Caracas attacks

Following the Caracas attacks, the Venezuelan government has accused the United States of committing an "extremely serious" act of "imperial aggression", warning that it could destabilise the entire Latin American region. The Trump administration, however, hasn't officially confirmed the attacks.

Residents of Caracas reported explosions, deafening blasts and aircraft flying at low altitude in the early hours of Saturday. Shortly after, the Venezuelan authorities said the capital had been targeted, along with the neighbouring states of Miranda, La Guaira and Aragua.

According to The Guardian and several other news websites, the Maduro government claimed the operation was aimed at taking control of Venezuela’s strategic assets, particularly its oil and mineral reserves. It urged the international community to condemn what it described as a blatant breach of international law, saying the attacks had placed millions of lives in danger. “The entire country must mobilize to defeat this imperialist aggression,” it said.

Jan 3, 2026 02:11 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: US' FAA banned flights over Venezuelan airspace before attacks

Ahead of the attacks in Caracas, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) banned US commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace due to “ongoing military activity”.

Jan 3, 2026 02:03 PM IST

Attack on Venezuela LIVE Updates: What Maduro said in interview on Trump's military action

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in a recorded interview broadcast on Thursday, accused the United States of pursuing regime change in Venezuela, claiming Washington’s military actions are aimed at securing access to the country’s extensive oil reserves. He said pressure has intensified under the Trump administration, pointing to strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, a CIA-led attack on a Venezuelan port facility, and efforts to block sanctioned oil tankers moving to and from the country.

Jan 3, 2026 01:56 PM IST

Venezuela Attack LIVE Updates: Maduro declares national emergency after bombing in capital Caracas

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has declared a national emergency in Venezuela after reports of "bombing" in capital Caracas emerged early on Saturday. Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed the attack and sought an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations.

The attack comes US President Donald Trump's has on several occasions spoken of possible ground operations in Venezuela as part of broader efforts to force Maduro out of office. While American broadcaster CBS reported that the "bombing" was ordered by Trump, it is not clear if US was involved in the "attack" in Caracas on Saturday.

US Strikes Venezuela Highlights: Donald Trump warns of possible second strike on Venezuela after American troops captured Nicolas Maduro

US Attacks Venezuela Today Highlights: Maduro is jailed in New York after first video on US soil shows him in handcuffs; to appear in court on Monday.