Caracas, 5/1 : Venezuelan authorities have issued a state of emergency decree, ordering police to immediately begin a nationwide search and arrest operation for anyone involved in promoting or supporting what they describe as a U.S. armed attack. The decree, which came into effect on Saturday, January 3, 2026, was published in full on Monday, January 5, 2026. This development follows a significant U.S. military operation that led to the ousting and capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from Caracas between Friday and Saturday.
The interim Venezuelan government, now in power after Maduro’s removal, has framed the decree as a measure to defend national sovereignty in the aftermath of the U.S. operation. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the large-scale military strikes against Venezuela and the capture of Maduro, who was subsequently transferred to New York to face charges. Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday in a New York federal court to four criminal counts, including narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Prosecutors allege he masterminded a drug trafficking network, partnering with groups like Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel and Colombia’s FARC rebels.
The U.S. intervention, reportedly codenamed “Absolute Resolve,” involved Delta Force special operations troops and CIA intelligence support, escalating a monthslong pressure campaign against Venezuela. President Trump stated that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” could occur, also suggesting further strikes if the interim Venezuelan leadership does not cooperate on issues such as oil access and counter-narcotics efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, later tempered expectations, suggesting the U.S. would not take a day-to-day role in governing the nation.
Internationally, the U.S. actions have drawn mixed reactions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for respect for the political independence and territorial integrity of states. China urged the immediate release of Maduro, stating it cannot accept countries acting as “world judge,” while India’s National Congress expressed grave concern over what it described as unilateral U.S. actions violating international law. Meanwhile, Switzerland froze assets linked to Nicolás Maduro and 36 associates, adding to sanctions maintained since 2018. On the other hand, Trinidad and Tobago reiterated its support for the U.S. mission aimed at dismantling transnational crime in the Americas.
Maduro’s capture and the subsequent decree unfold against a backdrop of deep economic crisis in Venezuela, with the economy shrinking by 71% between 2012 and 2020 and inflation topping 130,000%. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, initially denouncing Maduro’s capture as an “act of war,” later signaled a willingness to engage with the U.S. government on a cooperation agenda. The situation remains volatile, with Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, calling for protests and criticizing what he implied was betrayal from within his father’s inner circle.
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