How Trump & Co sold the attack on Venezuela

In January 2026, The Listening Post reported on the alleged U.S. involvement in Venezuela. According to the report, the U.S. government, with the assistance of mainstream media, manufactured consent for military intervention, culminating in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro was reportedly taken to a prison in New York City. The report claims the Trump administration shifted its narrative from combating a "narco-state" to seizing control of Venezuela's oil reserves. The report also briefly touches on protests in Iran and an interview with Jose Luis Granados Ceja about deciphering news from Venezuela.

Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the United States, Venezuela is experiencing intensified repression. Security forces are searching phones, interrogating citizens, and detaining individuals suspected of celebrating Maduro's removal. This crackdown occurs as the interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, publicly demands Maduro's release and condemns the U.S. action. Despite this criticism, the U.S. expresses confidence in Rodríguez's cooperation, with indications suggesting potential alignment. The situation highlights the continued presence of Maduro's political and security apparatus, and a worsening of daily life for Venezuelans. At least 14 journalists and six citizens were detained; most have been released.

The BBC is examining the close relationship between Cuba and Venezuela, particularly in light of recent events. Following a military operation in Venezuela where Nicolás Maduro was seized, Cuba's reliance on Venezuelan oil supplies is now potentially vulnerable. The report explores how a collapse of Venezuela's oil supply could negatively impact Havana. Will Grant, the BBC's Cuba correspondent, is reporting from Cúcuta, on the Colombia-Venezuela border, to provide insights into the situation. The report also includes video produced by Marina Costa and Gabriela Boccaccio, and graphics by Jean-li Lee.

In January 2026, abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are scheduled to appear in a New York court to face drug-related charges. U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that the U.S. is in control of Venezuela and threatened further military action against the country. Trump also issued a threat against Colombian President Gustavo Petro and warned Mexico to improve its performance. The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the U.S. actions in Venezuela. These events follow a period of heightened tensions and ongoing disputes involving the U.S. and various Latin American nations.

According to Venezuelan officials, a U.S. military operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve," to capture President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, resulted in approximately 100 deaths. The operation, led by Delta Force, took place over the weekend. Venezuela's interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, reported Maduro sustained a leg injury and his wife, Cilia Flores, a head injury. Cuba claims 32 of its military personnel, who were in Venezuela at the request of the government, were also killed during the operation. A U.S. official stated that seven U.S. service members were injured, with five already returned to duty. Venezuela has declared a week of mourning for the deceased military members.

Cuba announced that 32 of its citizens, including military and intelligence personnel, died in U.S. attacks in Venezuela on Sunday. President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated the deceased were members of Cuba's armed forces or interior ministry, fulfilling a mission requested by Venezuela. This announcement is a rare public acknowledgement of Cuba's involvement in Venezuela, where it has a longstanding alliance. Cuba has historically sent thousands of citizens, including teachers, doctors, intelligence agents, and security guards, to Venezuela in exchange for oil. The deaths occurred amidst increasing U.S. military pressure and Venezuela's reliance on Cuban personnel for security, with Venezuela reporting a preliminary death toll of 80 in the attacks.

A video circulating in news feeds purportedly shows Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in US custody on January 4, 2026. The video allegedly depicts Maduro arriving at a Drug Enforcement Agency detention center in New York. According to the news feed, US forces seized Maduro and his wife in a raid on Caracas. The stated reason for the seizure is to bring Maduro to the US to face drug-trafficking charges. The authenticity of the video and the details surrounding the alleged arrest remain unconfirmed.

Nicolás Maduro, the former Venezuelan leader, is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan court to face charges related to drug trafficking and other alleged crimes. The court appearance comes as tensions rise in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of U.S. action against other countries, specifically mentioning Colombia and Mexico. The potential actions were alluded to in connection with the ongoing situation involving Maduro and Venezuela. The exact nature and timing of any potential U.S. actions remain unclear.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to drug and weapon charges in a New York City courtroom on Monday. Maduro, who claims he was kidnapped from his home in Caracas on January 3rd, declared himself a "prisoner of war" during the arraignment. The couple was arrested by US forces in Venezuela on Saturday in a surprise operation involving strikes on military bases. Dressed in jail attire, Maduro and Flores listened to the proceedings through Spanish translation headphones. The 40-minute hearing was held in the same courtroom where Sean "Diddy" Combs was previously tried.

In January 2026, the United States conducted a "large scale strike" against Venezuela, according to former US President Donald Trump. Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from the country. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated this marked a "new dawn" for Venezuela. Maduro's government condemned the action as military aggression. Colombian President Gustavo Petro alerted the world to the attack and reiterated the need for peace and respect for international law. US media outlets like Fox News and CBS News also reported on the strikes within Venezuela.

Explosions were reported in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with the cause of the blasts currently unknown. The incident follows months of increasing pressure from the United States on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. government accuses of leading a "narco-terrorist" state and controlling drug trafficking groups. The U.S. military has increased its presence in the Caribbean since late August, engaging in operations against vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling. These actions have resulted in numerous deaths and have been criticized as potential extrajudicial killings. The situation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.

Cilia Flores, Venezuela's first lady and wife of Nicolás Maduro, was captured alongside him and taken to the United States on January 3, 2026. Flores is a powerful political figure in Venezuela who has built influence over decades, shaping the judicial system and embedding loyalists within state institutions. She rose to prominence through her association with Hugo Chávez and played a critical role in consolidating Maduro's power after Chávez's death in 2013. Flores is considered a central figure in Venezuelan corruption, with her family amassing significant wealth. She and Maduro have been partners since the late 1990s, marrying in 2013 when he became president.