Aljazeera Source Trump administration launches US military operation in Ecuador
46,850 views Mar 5, 2026 #Ecuador #Drugs #DrugTrafficking
American and Ecuadorian forces have launched a joint operation against the country’s powerful drug cartels.
Ecuador’s been struggling to contain cartel violence for the last five years.
Al Jazeera’s John Holman reports from Washington, DC
‘El Mencho’ killing sparks ‘overwhelming fear’ as violence erupts in Mexico
285,347 views Feb 24, 2026 #Mexico #ElMenchoKilled #CJNGLeaderDead
Mexico is on high alert following a wave of violence, after a military operation killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel.
The security minister says 25 National Guard soldiers died in attacks following the capture and subsequent death of Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho”.
Al Jazeera correspondents in Mexico and the US are covering the latest developments.
John Holman is in Mexico City while Julia Galiano is in Veracruz. It’s a city in eastern Mexico that’s home to some of the key ports used by the cartels for their drug operations and Kimberly Halkett is in Washington, DC with more on the role played by the US in the operation.
Venezuela oil industry reforms: Experts warn of long road ahead
274 views Jan 30, 2026 #Venezuela #OilSanctions #USEasedSanctions
The US has eased sanctions on the Venezuela’s oil industry, after the National Assembly voted to open the sector to private investors.
The move’s been welcomed by many Venezuelans, who’re hoping to see a revival of the economy.
But experts are warning that there’s no quick fix.
Al Jazeera’s Paul Ging reports.
Venezuela oil laws: National Assembly approves hydrocarbon reforms
15,410 views Jan 30, 2026 #BreakingNews #Venezuela #VenezuelaOil
Venezuela’s National Assembly has approved a sweeping reform to the country’s hydrocarbons law that would affect foreign ownership rules. The legislative move comes as Caracas and Washington negotiate new terms for oil sales. The proposal was formally submitted to the assembly by interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Ed Hirs, an energy economist and lecturer at the University of Houston, joins Al Jazeera’s live from Houston in Texas.
Rubio says Maduro abduction ‘strategic’ necessity, downplays future attacks
2,733 views Jan 29, 2026 #MarcoRubio #Venezuela #NicolasMaduro
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the United States abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro before a Senate committee, arguing the operation did not constitute an act of war while framing the attack as a strategic necessity.
The hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday offered the latest window into the administration’s thinking behind the extraordinary January 3 abduction of Maduro, who remains in a New York prison awaiting drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracy charges.
Al Jazeera’s Chief US Correspondent, Alan Fisher, reports from Capitol Hill.
Mexico football field shooting in Salamanca exposes persistent cartel violence
33,928 views Jan 27, 2026 #Mexico #GangViolence #CartelWars
Authorities in central Mexico are investigating a shooting after a football game.
Crowds of fans had just finished watching a match in the city of Salamanca when they came under fire.
The attack highlights frequent violence from the nation’s cartels despite the government’s efforts to curb it.
Al Jazeera’s Alessandro Rampietti reports.
Mexico slaps 50 percent tariffs on China: Trade protection or US pressure?
84,627 views Jan 26, 2026 #Mexico #China #MexicoTariffs
Mexico has imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on Chinese products, a move welcomed by domestic manufacturers such as shoe producers in Leon who have long struggled against cheaper Chinese competition. Whilst the Mexican government says the measures aim to protect 350,000 jobs and strengthen the national economy, analysts suggest the decision reflects pressure from the United States, which fears Mexico serves as a backdoor for Chinese goods into the North American Free Trade Zone.
China has criticised the tariffs, warning they will harm all parties, whilst consumers in Mexico are likely to face rising costs on popular Chinese imports including electric vehicles.
Al Jazeera’s John Holman reports from Mexico City, Mexico.
Argentina battling raging fires: Patagonia’s forest under threat
4,820 views Jan 25, 2026 #ArgentinaWildfires #PatagoniaFires #ArgentinaCrisis
Wildfires have been burning for weeks across Argentina’s southern Patagonia region—destroying homes and vast areas of forest.
The fires are threatening protected land, as hundreds of firefighters—backed by the military—battle the flames day and night.
Al Jazeera’s Daniel Schweimler reports from Buenos Aires.
China-backed mega port reshapes Peru’s trade ties
53,412 views Jan 25, 2026 #ChinaPeru #ChancayPort #ChinaLatinAmerica
At the end of 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peru’s former President Dina Boluarte inaugurated a 3.5 billion-dollar port in the Peruvian city of Chancay to bypass ports in the US and Mexico and reduce shipping costs. China is Peru’s most important trade partner, and it has been for more than one year.
Al Jazeera’s Mariana Sanchez reports from Lima.
Ecuador-Colombia dispute: Retaliatory levies in row over drug trafficking
33,636 views Jan 24, 2026 #Colombia #Ecuador #TradeTariffs
Colombia suspends electricity sales to Ecuador and announces a 30% tariff on several products. Ecuador’s president responds with a “security charge” and accuses Bogotá of failing to combat drug trafficking.
Al Jazeera’s Alessandro Rampietti reports.
Ecuador-Colombia dispute: Retaliatory levies in row over drug trafficking
33,640 views Jan 24, 2026 #Colombia #Ecuador #TradeTariffs
Colombia suspends electricity sales to Ecuador and announces a 30% tariff on several products. Ecuador’s president responds with a “security charge” and accuses Bogotá of failing to combat drug trafficking.
Al Jazeera’s Alessandro Rampietti reports.
How it all went wrong in Venezuela | Featured Documentary
66,334 views Jan 23, 2026 #venezuela #unitedstates #aljazeeraenglish
How and why did Venezuela fall prey to the US special forces attack on Caracas on January 3, 2026, and what’s the political backstory?
Once a showcase US ally awash with oil money, Venezuela has descended into crisis and confrontation.
This film tracks the country’s arc from 1970s petro-democracy to the 1989 Caracazo riots, Hugo Chavez’s rise and radical reforms, the turbulent 2002 coup attempt against him, and the deep economic collapse and mass exodus under President Nicolas Maduro. Framed around the dramatic US special forces operation, with bombing raids on the capital and Maduro toppled from power, this one-off special asks how a country so rich fell so far.
Through first-hand testimony, expert analysis and rare archive, it shows how the fate of many Latin American countries is still shaped by US power, as the whole continent braces itself for further intervention under the current US administration.
Venezuela paramilitary forces: Armed militias accused of intimidation and violence
26,790 views Jan 16, 2026 #Venezuela #Colectivos #Protests
Government-linked groups in Venezuela have long been controversial. Some say they provide social and security support, while others accuse them of using intimidation and violence to suppress opponents.
Al Jazeera’s Noris Soto reports.
US seizes another oil tanker in Caribbean Sea ahead of Trump, Machado meeting
29,003 views Jan 16, 2026 #UnitedStates #DonandTrump #SOUTHCOM
United States forces in the Caribbean Sea have seized another sanctioned oil tanker that the Trump administration says is linked to Venezuela, as part of broader US efforts to exert control over the South American country’s oil sector.
It is the sixth tanker seized, coming as Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado prepares to meet President Donald Trump.
The US says it is targeting what it describes as Venezuela’s “shadow fleet” — ships that use deceptive practices to conceal their role in transporting sanctioned oil.
The Trump administration has been seeking to curb Venezuela’s oil exports while working with the interim government to regain control over oil sales.
Al Jazeera’s Patty Culhane joins us from Washington, DC, with the latest developments.
US-Venezuela relations: Opposition leader visits White House
11,311 views Jan 16, 2026 #MariaCorinaMachado #NobelPeacePrize #DonaldTrump
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, says she presented her Nobel peace medal to Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House.
It comes after Trump sidelined her as US forces captured and detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, saying she didn’t have the support or respect within the country to take power.
Al Jazeera’s John Holman reports.
Venezuela’s leadership in limbo after US abduction of Maduro
23,134 views Jan 15, 2026 #Venezuela #Caracas #NicolasMaduro
The US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has raised questions about who will be next to lead the country.
Maduro’s second-in-command is currently interim president, and prominent opposition figure Maria Corina Machado will meet Donald Trump in the White House on Thursday
But many within the country say they’re more focused on their day-to-day realities than politics.
Al Jazeera’s Noris Soto reports from the capital, Caracas.
Venezuelan migrant influx puts pressure on Brazil’s health services near border
5,252 views Jan 12, 2026 #Brazil #Pacaraima #VenezuelanMigrants
Between 300 and 400 Venezuelan migrants cross into northern Brazil every day.
They are fleeing economic collapse and seeking access to lifesaving medical care.
Many arrive in the border town of Pacaraima, overwhelming local services.
Brazil’s health system there is under severe strain as patient numbers rise.
Migrants often arrive with untreated chronic illnesses and urgent medical needs.
Local authorities are struggling to cope with the sustained influx.
The crisis highlights the humanitarian impact of Venezuela’s ongoing collapse.
Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew reports from Pacaraima, Brazil.
Families await release of Venezuela’s political prisoners amid US pressure
1,484 views Jan 11, 2026 #Venezuela #VenezuelaAfterMaduro #NicolasMaduro
Rights groups say Venezuela’s government has released another group of prisoners.
They are urging authorities to free more detainees. About 1,000 political prisoners are believed to be held in jails across Venezuela.
Al Jazeera’s Alessandro Rampietti reports from Cucuta on the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
Venezuelans hopeful for economic recovery after US capture of Maduro
3,712 views Jan 11, 2026 #Venezuela #Caracas #VenezuelaAfterMaduro
Venezuelans have endured decades of financial hardship.
But after Washington’s promise to roll back oil sanctions, there’s cautious optimism for an economic turnaround.
Al Jazeera’s Noris Soto reports from Caracas, Venezuela.
“A watershed moment for the region and the world” – The US attack on Venezuela | The Listening Post
16,987 views Jan 11, 2026 #venezuela #nicolasmaduro #trump
A conversation with Jose Luis Granados Ceja, the Latin American contributor of Drop Site News on how to decipher the news coming out of Venezuela.
Featuring:
Jose Luis Granados Ceja – Latin America contributor, Drop Site News
Colombia’s Petro on US threats and whether he fears Maduro’s fate | Talk to Al Jazeera
18,962 views Jan 11, 2026 #gustavopetro #nicolasmaduro #donaldtrump
Since the United States abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, accusing him of “narcoterrorism”, Colombia has found itself under growing pressure from Washington. President Gustavo Petro responds to President Donald Trump’s accusations.
The Colombian leader also addresses diplomacy vs confrontation, regional sovereignty and whether Latin America is entering a dangerous new chapter.
Operation Distraction: The mission to abduct Maduro | The Listening Post
271,241 views Jan 11, 2026 #venezuela #nicolasmaduro #trump
After months of Washington – with the help of much of the US mainstream media – manufacturing consent for a military intervention in Venezuela, last week American forces abducted the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, and flew him to a prison in New York City. Now, the Trump administration is shifting the narrative away from the stated objective of striking a “narco-state” to the US taking control of Venezuela’s massive oil reserves.
Contributors:
Alejandro Velasco – Associate Professor, NYU
Alexander Main – Director of International Policy, CEPR
JM MonteBlack – Venezuelan-American journalist
Luis Valdez Jimenez – Lawyer and Venezuelan- American activist
On our radar
Once again, Iran is in the grip of nationwide protests, triggered in large part by the country’s struggling economy. What makes this moment volatile is the geopolitical context: both Israel and the US bombed Iran last year and now authorities in Tehran are accusing them of stoking the unrest. On the ground, the response from Iran’s security forces has turned violent but the details remain difficult to verify. Meenakshi Ravi reports.
An interview with Jose Luis Granados Ceja
A conversation with Jose Luis Granados Ceja, the Latin American contributor of Drop Site News on how to decipher the news coming out of Venezuela.
Featuring:
Jose Luis Granados Ceja – Latin America contributor, Drop Site News
Venezuelans react to Maduro’s departure: Citizens express hope for revival of oil economy
56,676 views Jan 10, 2026 #Venezuela #OilReserves #EconomicCrisis
Venezuela’s vast oil wealth was once a key source of national prosperity.
However, years of international sanctions, ongoing economic mismanagement, and the political crisis surrounding President Nicolas Maduro have brought these resources under increasing US control.
Many Venezuelans now face uncertainty about what this means for their country’s future.
Al Jazeera’s Noris Soto reports.
US to refine, sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuela oil: Trump
57,434 views Jan 10, 2026 #BreakingNews #Venezuela #USPolitics
The United States will refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil under a new arrangement with the country following the ousting of former president Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump said.
Trump made the comments at a meeting between top administration officials and executives from some of the world’s largest oil companies.
Is the US unlocking Venezuela’s oil wealth or exploiting it? | Counting the Cost
69,155 views Jan 10, 2026 #venezuela #venezuelacrisis #oil
A nation with the world’s largest oil reserves, Venezuela is now at the centre of a high-stakes economic power play over energy supply – with global ramifications.
The United States says it will control the sales and revenue of Venezuelan oil “indefinitely”, days after it abducted the nation’s President Nicolas Maduro.
President Donald Trump wants US companies to invest billions of dollars to revive the nation’s oil sector.
Washington says that would benefit the people of Venezuela and the US.
Critics, though, have called the move modern-day colonialism and a direct grab for energy resources.
And, we look at Iran’s economic crisis.
Venezuela releases political prisoners: Family members gathered outside prisons in Caracas
35,287 views Jan 10, 2026 #VenezuelaCrisis #PoliticalPrisoners #Caracas
The brother of Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, and head of the country’s national assembly has announced the release of a wide raft of political prisoners. It’s being viewed as a gesture to seek peace less than a week after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces.
Al Jazeera’s Alessandro Rampietti reports from Cucuta on the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
Mapping out Venezuela’s future: US plan gets mixed reaction in Caracas
4,401 views Jan 10, 2026 #VenezuelaFuture #USVenezuela #TrumpForeignPolicy
Donald Trump says ‘only time will tell’ how long the US maintains oversight of Venezuela. The US President’s comments to the New York Times follow Washington’s announcement of a three-stage plan for the country’s future.
Al Jazeera’s Noris Soto reports from Caracas on how Venezuelans are trying to reconcile that plan with the reality of their daily lives.
A cordial phone call: Petro and Trump agree to meet in Washington
22,187 views Jan 10, 2026 #ColombiaUS #PetroTrump #LatinAmericaPolitics
Colombia’s president and his US counterpart have had their first phone call. They agreed to meet in Washington to de-escalate tensions after Trump threatened military action against Colombia. That’s after the capture of Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro, by US forces.
Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo spoke to Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro.
Large protests in Colombia in support of President Petro’s stand against US threats
57,046 views Jan 8, 2026 #USIntervention #USAttackOnVenezuela #NicolasMaduro
Donald Trump says arrangements are being made for Colombian President Gustavo Petro to meet him at the White House after the two leaders spoke on the phone.
It’s their first conversation since the US president threatened military action against Colombia, accusing Petro of selling cocaine to the United States.
Earlier, Petro called on protesters to rally in defence of national sovereignty.
Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo reports from Bogota, Colombia.
Colombia deploys 30,000 troops as Venezuela crisis threatens border spillover
237,983 views Jan 8, 2026 #USIntervention #USAttackOnVenezuela #NicolasMaduro
Since the capture of Nicolas Maduro, Colombia has been on edge, fearing the crisis in Venezuela could spill across the border.
President Petro has ordered a major troop deployment and activated contingency plans in case of a refugee influx.
Al Jazeera’s Alessandro Rampietti reports from Cucuta on the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
Closed-door Venezuela briefing: Top US officials inform senators on deadly raid
8,616 views Jan 8, 2026 #Maduro #USPolitics #USVenezuela
Top officials in Washington have briefed senators on Saturday’s US raid on Venezuela. They defended the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in a closed-door session.
Al Jazeera’s chief US correspondent Alan Fisher reports from Washington DC.
UN Chief meets Venezuelan ambassador: Guterres offers support for national dialogue
5,874 views Jan 8, 2026 #VenezuelaCrisis #Venezuela #Caracas
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has offered support for a potential national dialogue in Venezuela during a meeting with the country’s ambassador.
Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo reports from the United Nations.
US seizes two sanctioned oil tankers: ‘Ghost fleet’ vessels linked to Venezuela raided
6,250 views Jan 8, 2026 #USNews #VenezuelaCrisis #TrumpAdministration
The Trump Administration is moving to assert control over Venezuela, days after toppling President Nicolas Maduro. Washington says it plans to dictate decisions to the country’s interim leaders and control oil sales ‘indefinitely’. Earlier, US forces seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela.
Al Jazeera’s White House correspondent Kimberly Halkett reports.
Brazil’s military police on high alert: Fears Venezuelan criminals gangs may cross border
55,956 views Jan 8, 2026 #VenezuelaNews #BrazilNews #AlJazeeraEnglish
Brazil’s military police have been placed on high alert along the border with Venezuela amid growing fears that armed groups and criminal gangs could cross into Brazilian territory.
Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew reports from the northern Brazilian state of Roraima.
US Secretary of State Rubio details US strategy on Venezuela after oil seizures and sanctions
45,575 views Jan 8, 2026 #MarcoRubio #USPolitics #PeteHegseth
At a press briefing in Washington DC, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth outlined Washington’s next steps on Venezuela.
Rubio said the US has begun seizing sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers and will sell the oil at market rates, controlling revenues to prevent corruption and support the Venezuelan people.
He explained the plan will unfold in three phases: stabilisation, economic recovery and a political transition, including possible amnesties and rebuilding civil society.
Rubio said US sanctions and naval enforcement give Washington leverage and rejected claims there is no clear strategy.
Hegseth defended the military operations in the Caribbean and North Atlantic, saying they are part of ongoing global US deployments and come at no extra cost to taxpayers.
Both officials stressed the measures are aimed at cutting illicit oil flows, increasing pressure on Venezuelan authorities and shaping the country’s political future.
US Navy seizes two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in Atlantic and Caribbean
91,386 views Jan 8, 2026 #Venezuela #DonaldTrump #Marinera
The US Navy has seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela on suspicion of breaking US sanctions at sea
One, formerly the Bella 1 and now the Marinera, was captured in the North Atlantic after a prolonged pursuit and legal warrant
Russia condemned the action, citing maritime law, and vessels including a submarine were reported near the operation
A second vessel, the M.T. Sophia, was taken in the Caribbean in a pre‑dawn interception by US Southern Command
US officials say both vessels were involved in illicit activities tied to Venezuelan oil exports and sanctions evasion
The moves form part of a broader US campaign to enforce oil sanctions globally and disrupt sanctioned shipments
Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett at the White House and Dmitry Medvedenko in Moscow join us to discuss the latest developments
Trump says Venezuela will turn over 30-50 million barrels of oil to the US
44,182 views Jan 7, 2026 #NicolasMaduro #Venezuela #DonaldTrump
The US President has announced more details on his plans for sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump said up to 50 million barrels will be handed to the US and sold at market price with proceeds benefitting people in both countries.
Al Jazeera’s Manuel Rapalo has the latest from Washington, DC.
Colombia vows to defend its sovereignty amid Trump’s military threats
181,171 views Jan 7, 2026 #USIntervention #USAttackOnVenezuela #NicolasMaduro
Colombia’s leaders say they’re ready to defend the country in the event of a US invasion.
On Sunday the US President threatened Bogota with military action similar to the raid carried out in Venezuela.
But the Colombian foreign minister says potential aggression would be met with force.
Al Jazeera’s John Holman reports from Cucuta on the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
What might the US action in Venezuela mean for Cuba? | Inside Story
109,065 views Jan 7, 2026 #USAttackOnVenezuela #RegimeChange #NicolasMaduro
Venezuela’s closest ally Cuba is on edge after the capture of president Nicolas Maduro and US politicians’ warnings to Havana.
US president Donald Trump says Cuba is near collapse.
So what are Washington’s plans?
And what’s the thinking in Havana?
Presenter: Adrian Finighan
Guests:
Liz Oliva Fernandez – independent Cuban journalist in Havana for US-based media outlet, Belly of the Beast
Correction: In the on-screen bio for Liz Oliva Fernandez, she is described as an “anti-imperialism activist”. This is incorrect. Liz is speaking in the capacity of a independent journalist.
John Suarez – Executive Director at the Center for a Free Cuba in Miami
Michael Shifter – senior fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue and an adjunct professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University in Washington DC
Cubans brace for tougher times as Venezuela’s oil lifeline faces uncertainty
67,633 views Jan 7, 2026 #USAttackOnVenezuela #NicolasMaduro #Cuba
Cuba’s economy relies heavily on oil supplies from Venezuela, and any disruption to those shipments could worsen the island’s fuel shortages.
US President Donald Trump has claimed Cuba is “ready to fall” without Venezuelan support, arguing that Havana cannot survive economically if the oil flow is cut.
His remarks come amid renewed pressure on Venezuela and its allies.
Many Cubans fear even tougher conditions if energy supplies decline further.
Al Jazeera’s Hamza Mohamed reports.
Venezuelans reflect on Maduro’s removal, grappling with hope and fear
28,870 views Jan 6, 2026 #CiliaFlores #NicolasMaduro #VenezuelaCrisis
Venezuelans are still trying to understand what comes next, after the deadly US military operation that ended with the capture of Maduro and his wife.
At least 32 Cuban security personnel were killed, along with an unknown number of civilians.
While the country remains calm for now, uncertainty is growing and life is far from normal.
Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman is following the story from Chile’s capital, Santiago.
Maduro’s wife suffered ‘significant injuries during abduction’: Lawyer
68,804 views Jan 6, 2026 #CiliaFlores #NicolasMaduro #DrugTrafficking
Venezuela’s captured and detained president Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty to narcoterrorism charges, calling himself a prisoner of war.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a New York court, two days after they were seized by US forces in Caracas.
She also stressed her innocence when asked for her plea.
Her lawyer alleged she sustained significant injuries, including severe bruising on her ribs and has asked that she be provided for X-rays and a physical evaluation.
Al Jazeera’s Manuel Rapalo has more from Washington, DC.
Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as Venezuela’s president after Maduro abduction
41,103 views Jan 6, 2026 #DelcyRodriguez #USIntervention #USAttackOnVenezuela
Delcy Rodriguez, formerly Venezuela’s vice president, has been formally sworn in to lead the South American country following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro in a United States military operation.
She has indicated she will cooperate with Washington, but described Maduro and his wife as “hostages”.
Al Jazeera’s Alessandro Rampietti reports from Cucuta, on the Colombia-Venezuela border.
Oil tankers dodge US naval blockade as Venezuela’s shadow fleet uses Panama Canal
101,074 views Jan 6, 2026 #PanamaCanal #NicolasMaduro #ShadowFleet
At least 16 oil tankers hit by US sanctions appear to have made an attempt to evade an American naval blockade on Venezuela’s energy exports over the last two days.
Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo has more from Panama City
US critics and allies condemn Maduro’s abduction at UN Security Council
27,870 views Jan 6, 2026 #UNSecurityCouncil #CiliaFlores #USAttackOnVenezuela
The UN Security Council has held an emergency meeting to discuss the U.S. raid on Venezuela and Nicolas Maduro’s capture.
The American and Venezuelan ambassadors traded barbs, while the Secretary General voiced concern about the country’s immediate future.
Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo reports from the United Nations in New York.
Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as interim president after US abduction of Maduro
10,372 views Jan 6, 2026 #DelcyRodriguez #USIntervention #USAttackOnVenezuela
Venezuela’s former Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, has been sworn in as interim leader.
US President Donald Trump has warned Rodriguez that she’ll pay what he called a “very big price” if she fails to cooperate with his administration.
She’s indicated she will cooperate with Washington but described Maduro and his wife as “hostages”.
Al Jazeera’s Manuel Rapalo has more from Washington, DC.
‘I am innocent,’ says Venezuela’s abducted leader, Maduro, in US court
33,274 views Jan 6, 2026 #CiliaFlores #NicolasMaduro #DrugTrafficking
Captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has made a defiant appearance in a New York court two days after he and his wife were seized by US special forces in Caracas.
He pleaded not guilty to narcoterrorism charges, calling himself a “prisoner of war”.
Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey reports from New York.
How US control of Venezuela’s oil could change global geopolitics
26,021 views Jan 6, 2026 #OilAndGasIndustry #Venezuela #Geopolitics
Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil reserves, but years of sanctions, neglect and underinvestment have crippled its energy sector.
Donald Trump says US companies will repair Venezuela’s oil infrastructure and sell its oil to cover the costs of Washington’s intervention.
Although Venezuela produces just one percent of global oil, its vast reserves give the plan major geopolitical weight.
China, Venezuela’s biggest oil customer, has condemned the removal of Nicolas Maduro and warned the move could inflame tensions.
The strategy is also seen as an attempt to curb China’s influence and reshape global energy flows.
Canada and US refiners could be affected if Venezuelan supply resumes, requiring costly refinery adjustments.
There are concerns unrest in Venezuela could disrupt markets, while lower oil prices could also hurt Russia’s war economy.
Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford reports.
What does the US attack on Venezuela mean for Russia and China? Inside Story
385,418 views Jan 6, 2026 #UkraineWar #USAttackOnVenezuela #NicolasMaduro
The capture of Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro by the US came despite his country’s long-standing alliance with both China and Russia.
Both have criticised the US attack but have taken no action.
What are the implications for Russia and China?
Presenter: Adrian Finighan
Guests:
Andrey Kortunov, former Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council and a member of the Valdai Discussion Club, a Russian foreign policy think tank.
Chris Weafer, Chief Executive Officer of Macro-Advisory, a strategic consultancy focused on political and economic affairs across Eurasia
Shaun Rein, Founder & Managing Director of the China Market Research Group in Shanghai and author of “The Split”, which analyses the geopolitical divide between the US and China.
Venezuela accuses US of ‘illegitimate armed attack’ at UN Security Council
40,547 views Jan 6, 2026 #UNSecurityCouncil #CiliaFlores #USAttackOnVenezuela
Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, has accused the United States of carrying out an illegal armed attack against Venezuela, telling the UN Security Council that the events that transpired amounted to a flagrant violation of international law.
Addressing the council, Moncada said Venezuela was subjected to bombing, the destruction of civilian and essential infrastructure, the loss of civilian and military lives, and the “kidnapping” of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.
He said the attack lacked any legal justification and violated the UN Charter’s prohibition on the use of force and the principle of sovereign equality of states.
Moncada argued that the seizure of a sitting head of state breached a core norm of international law, the personal immunity of leaders in office, warning that such actions set a dangerous precedent for all countries, regardless of size or power. He said this immunity is an institutional safeguard for state sovereignty, “not an individual privilege”.
Moncada said the bombing of another state’s territory and the exercise of effective control amount to acts of aggression and occupation, even without formal annexation or a permanent troop presence. He called on the Security Council to uphold international law “without double standards”, saying selective interpretations undermine multilateralism and the Council’s credibility.
Nicolas Maduro pleads not guilty at first US court appearance in New York
68,643 views Jan 6, 2026 #CiliaFlores #Maduro #NicolasMaduro
Nicolas Maduro has made his first court appearance in New York, entering the courthouse in handcuffs and a prison uniform.
He identified himself in Spanish as Venezuela’s president, a claim challenged by US authorities.
During the arraignment, Maduro pleaded not guilty, saying he had been kidnapped and insisting he was innocent.
He faces four charges, including narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking conspiracy and weapons offences.
His wife, Cilia Flores, also appeared in court and is charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, alongside other defendants.
Prosecutors allege Maduro enabled large-scale drug trafficking into the US under diplomatic cover.
Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey reports from outside the courthouse in New York.
US envoy claims Maduro abduction ‘lawful’, says US ‘not at war’ with Venezuela at UNSC meeting
15,314 views Jan 6, 2026 #USAttackOnVenezuela #Maduro #NicolasMaduro
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the US attack on Venezuela that resulted in the arrest and transfer of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. US Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the action as a justified “surgical law enforcement operation,” insisting the US is “not at war with Venezuela or its people.” Waltz described Maduro as a “narcotrafficker” responsible for attacks on the US, destabilising the Western Hemisphere, and repressing Venezuelans, and argued the operation was in line with lawful indictments.
Continuing his defence, Waltz said the intervention serves the interests of both Americans and Venezuelans. “The US will not waver in its efforts to protect Americans from the scourge of narcoterrorism, and seeks peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela,” he said. He added that stabilising the region would benefit Venezuela, the wider region, and the world. Waltz also claimed Trump had “tried to deescalate” and offered Maduro “multiple off-ramps” before authorising the operation, although this conflicts with Trump’s recent remarks that he “didn’t want to negotiate.” He criticised the UN for treating Maduro as legitimate while comparing him to democratically elected heads of state.
Who is Delcy Rodriguez, the interim president now leading Venezuela?
8,973 views Jan 6, 2026 #DelcyRodriguez #USAttackOnVenezuela #Maduro
Delcy Rodriguez is Venezuela’s acting president after US special forces captured President Nicolás Maduro in a US-led military operation in Caracas.
She has served as vice president since 2018 and held senior roles overseeing finance and the oil sector under Maduro.
Venezuela’s Supreme Court and military recognised Rodriguez as interim leader, and she has since been sworn in to oversee the transition period.
Born in Caracas, she rose through the ruling socialist movement and is closely associated with the Chavista legacy of Hugo Chávez.
Initially, Rodriguez strongly condemned the US operation as illegal and vowed to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty.
She has since signalled a willingness to cooperate with Washington, calling for peace and dialogue rather than confrontation.
Her leadership comes at a moment of deep political uncertainty, with Venezuela’s future direction still unresolved.
Al Jazeera’s Laura Khan reports.
Nicolas Maduro transferred from detention centre ahead of US court appearance
222,567 views Jan 5, 2026 #CiliaFlores #Maduro #NicolasMaduro
US authorities have transferred Maduro from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, to a federal court in Manhattan, where he is set to appear before US District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein at about noon (17:00 GMT).
Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher reports from Washington, DC, while Kristen Saloomey joins us from New York to discuss the latest developments.
Captured Venezuelan President Maduro to face US court on drug-trafficking charges
32,081 views Jan 5, 2026 #USIntervention #USAttackOnVenezuela #VenezuelaAttack
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are expected to appear in a New York court later on Monday.
The US Justice Department has charged them with narco-terrorism and cocaine importation.
Maduro has previously denied any involvement in drug trafficking.
Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey reports from New York.
US lawmakers react to attack on Venezuela, ‘capture’ of Nicolas Maduro
11,879 views Jan 5, 2026 #DelcyRodriguez #USIntervention #USAttackOnVenezuela
The US President has warned Venezuela’s acting leader Delcy Rodriguez, she could pay a big price unless she cooperates with the US.
Donald Trump made the comments in an interview with The Atlantic.
As the rhetoric from the White House heats up, Democrats and some Republicans casting a critical eye on Saturday’s military operation.
Al Jazeera’s John Hendren reports from Washington, DC.
Trump cannot ‘run’ Venezuela without ruling elite: Analysis
58,351 views Jan 5, 2026 #DelcyRodriguez #USAttackOnVenezuela #Maduro
On an Al Jazeera interview, Javier Farje, journalist and historian on Latin America, said that the US aims to oversee Venezuela until a “proper transition,” though details remain unclear.
He explained that Trump and Secretary of State Rubio reportedly held talks with Delcy Rodriguez, now named interim president by Venezuela’s Supreme Court.
Farje noted that Rodriguez keeps Maduro as president for three months, creating political uncertainty and requiring National Assembly approval for extensions.
He highlighted that Venezuela’s army, police, militias, and institutions remain under pro-Chavista control, essential for any cooperation with the US.
Farje stressed that Maria Corina Machado, despite her Nobel Peace Prize, has no real influence in Venezuela’s power dynamics.
He said questions remain over elections or Edmundo Gonzalez taking power, alongside potential negotiations with Rodriguez’s government.
Farje concluded that Latin America is deeply divided over the US attack on Venezuela and the capturing of Maduro and his wife, leaving regional politics uncertain.
Russia condemns US ‘armed aggression’ against Venezuela, urges to release Nicolas Maduro
127,031 views Jan 4, 2026 #NicolasMaduro #VenezuelaAttack #Venezuela
Russia, a strong ally of Venezuela, has called on the US to free Maduro and his wife.
“In light of confirmed reports that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are in the United States, we strongly urge the American leadership to reconsider its position and release the legally elected president of a sovereign country and his wife,” said Russia’s Foreign Ministry in a statement.
Andrey Kortunov is a member of the Valdai Discussion Club, a foreign policy think-tank.
He says it’s too late for Russia to intervene in Venezuela, but Moscow will now reassess how it supports its allies in Latin America.
China slammed US for ‘hegemonic acts’ against Venezuela and its President Nicolas Maduro
256,414 views Jan 4, 2026 #NicolasMaduro #VenezuelaAttack #Venezuela
The Chinese Foreign Ministry says the US should release Maduro and his wife, calling their seizure a “clear violation of international law”.
“China expresses grave concern over the US forcibly seizing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country,” said a statement issued by the ministry.
Shaun Rein is founder and managing director of China Market Research Group, a market intelligence firm focused on China.
He says the capture of Maduro by the United States is taking the world the down a dangerous path.
Maduro ‘capture’ ‘flipped the script’ on Trump’s rhetoric against foreign wars: Analysis
34,181 views Jan 4, 2026 #NicolasMaduro #VenezuelaAttack #Venezuela
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is being held in a detention centre in New York where he’s been indicted on charges of narcoterrorism and cocaine importation.
He was detained by US special forces in a surprise military operation in Caracas early on Saturday.
With Maduro in custody, President Trump says the United States will govern Venezuela for now.
His announcement has divided opinions.
Rina Shah, a political strategist, says the dramatic US operation to seize Maduro has reshaped the political conversation in Washington and among Trump’s Republican base.
‘Justice is being served’: Venezuelans in Florida celebrate Maduro’s capture
23,565 views Jan 4, 2026 #NicolasMaduro #VenezuelaAttack #Venezuela
Many in the US’s massive Venezuelan population broke into celebration at the news of Nicolas Maduro’s arrest.
Festivities were especially pronounced in South Florida, home to the country’s largest Venezuelan diaspora.
Al Jazeera’s Phil Lavelle reports from Doral, in Florida’s Miami-Dade County.
Who Is Cilia Flores? Venezuela’s first lady captured alongside President Maduro by US forces
77,719 views Jan 4, 2026 #CiliaFlores #NicolasMaduro #VenezuelaAttack
Venezuela’s First Lady Cilia Flores has long been a powerful figure in Venezuelan politics, blending legal authority and political force.
The US attorney general says she and her husband will face drug-related charges in the United States.
Al Jazeera’s Um-e-Kulsoom Shariff reports.
Maduro brought to New York after being seized by US in Venezuela
397,576 views Jan 4, 2026 #NicolasMaduro #VenezuelaAttack #Venezuela
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has arrived at a detention centre in New York, hand-cuffed and escorted by drug enforcement officers.
He was detained by US special forces in a surprise military operation in Caracas on Saturday.
Al Jazeera’s Patty Culhane has more from Washington, DC.
Latin America reacts to Maduro’s arrest, US to run Venezuela
147,156 views Jan 4, 2026 #NicolasMaduro #VenezuelaAttack #Venezuela
The US attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have triggered strong reactions in Latin America.
It’s a region which President Donald Trump says the US plans to dominate again.
Saturday marked Washington’s first military incursion into a Latin American country in decades.
Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman reports from Santiago, Chile.
Trump says US will ‘run’ Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro seized
76,643 views Jan 4, 2026 #NicolasMaduro #VenezuelaAttack #Venezuela
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in custody in New York, following his dramatic capture in a US military operation in Caracas on Saturday.
President Donald Trump says the people of Venezuela are now free of Maduro’s dictatorship.
Venezuela’s vice president has demanded the US send Maduro back, calling him the rightful president.
Maduro and his wife, who was also captured, were brought to the Stewart Air Force Base several hours ago.
The couple faces federal charges of narcoterrorism and cocaine importation.
Maduro was taken to a detention centre, escorted by drug enforcement officers.
With Maduro in custody, President Trump says the United States will govern Venezuela for now.
His announcement has divided opinions.
Al Jazeera’s White House correspondent Kimberly Halkett reports.
What are the implications of the US capture of Nicolas Maduro? | Inside Story
1,239,050 views Jan 4, 2026 #USSpecialForces #Maduro #Venezuela
US special forces capture Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro – in a daring attack that’s taken the country and the world by surprise.
He’d denied accusations by president Donald Trump of heading a narcotics cartel.
So, what are the implications of Washington’s actions?
Presenter: James Bays
Guests:
Phil Gunson – senior analyst for the Andes Project at the International Crisis Group.
Richard Weitz – U.S. security analyst, Senior Fellow at the NATO Defense College.
Temir Porras – former Foreign Policy Advisor to President Hugo Chavez and the former Chief of Staff for President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump praises ‘spectacular assault’ in Venezuela
72,045 views Jan 4, 2026 #Maduro #USMilitary #Venezuela
Trump has hailed what he called a “spectacular assault” to capture Venezuela’s Maduro.
He said the assault, taking place in a “heavily fortified military fortress in the heart of Caracas”, was one “like people have not seen since World War II”.
The aim was to bring “dictator Maduro to justice”, he said in an ongoing news conference.
Rebuilding Venezuela after Maduro will take time, will not be ‘easy’
50,184 views Jan 4, 2026 #Maduro #USIntervention #VenezuelanCrisis
Venezuelan journalist Sissi De Flaviis speaks from the capital, Caracas, about the political situation in Venezuela following the US capture of Maduro.
US actions could lead to years of chaos in the region: Expert
104,774 views Jan 4, 2026 #RegimeChange #USIntervention #Venezuela
Barakat, the professor of public policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Doha, said that the US has often tried to change regimes by force. He, however, said this has not gone well.
“We have seen many attempts by the United States to change regimes, like Iraq, and it has all led to disasters after so many years. Until today,” he said.
US strikes Venezuela, captures Maduro and his wife
183,312 views Jan 3, 2026 #USStrike #NicolasMaduro #VenezuelaCrisis
United States President Donald Trump has claimed that the US has carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Maduro and his wife had been “captured and flown out of the country” following the operation, which he said was conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement”.
Trump says ‘Maduro captured’ as US carried out ‘large-scale strike’ against Venezuela
4683 views Jan 3, 2026 #DonaldTrump #NicolasMaduro #Venezuela
President Donald Trump says the United States has ‘captured’ Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country after “large-scale” strikes.
Explosions in Venezuela: Low flying aircraft and explosions in Caracas
3097 views Jan 3, 2026 #Venezuela #Caracas #Explosions
In Caracas, Venezuela, multiple explosions shook the capital near a military base, causing power outages and visible smoke. Residents are on high alert, while analysts monitor rising tensions due to recent US military activity and Trump’s statements on narco-terrorism.
Explosions heard over Venezuelan capital Caracas amid US tensions
5,290 views Jan 3, 2026 #Caracas #VenezuelaCrisis #Explosions
Explosions have been heard and plumes of smoke are rising in the Venezuelan capital Caracas, according to an Al Jazeera correspondent there, amid spiralling tensions with the US.
US claims attack on dock in Venezuela, as missiles also kill two in Pacific
20,731 views Dec 30, 2025 #TrenDeAragua #USNavy #NicolasMaduro
A tense stand-off in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific has ramped up again.
The US has launched a fresh round of strikes in the region including, it claims, within Venezuela.
That’s as President Nicolas Maduro looks to shore up his country’s military capabilities.
Al Jazeera’s Patty Culhane reports from Washington, DC.
Trump says 11 killed in strike on alleged drug-carrying boat from Venezuela
30,255 views
Sep 3, 2025 #DrugCartels #USNavy #TrenDeAragua
President Donald Trump has announced that the United States military conducted a “kinetic” strike on a small boat he accused of smuggling drugs out of Venezuela for the Tren de Aragua gang.
In a Tuesday post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump shared black-and-white aerial footage of the bombing, which reportedly killed 11 people.
The bombing took place early on Tuesday morning, according to the president. It marks a significant escalation in tensions with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Trump has repeatedly accused — without evidence — of orchestrating transnational gang activity.
Al Jazeera’s John Holman reports from Mexico City.
Venezuela & the US: Rising tensions and strategic standoff
67,854 views Sep 3, 2025 #USVenezuela #Maduro #Venezuela
Tensions rise between the US and Venezuela amid a mysterious incident in Caribbean waters. With thousands of US troops deployed and warships stationed nearby, questions emerge about the real motives—curbing drug trafficking or pressuring Maduro?
Vanessa Neumann, a former Venezuelan-American diplomat and the founder of Asymmetrica, a dual political risk research and defence technology advisory firm, joins Al Jazeera’s live from Butte in Montana. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera’s John Holman reports from Mexico City.
