At least 100 people killed in US attack on Venezuela, minister says

Following Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. forces, armed paramilitary groups known as colectivos have intensified a crackdown on suspected Trump supporters in Venezuela. These motorcycle-riding groups, loyal to Maduro, are conducting searches and establishing checkpoints to suppress dissent. Reports indicate that journalists have been detained and residents fear leaving their homes due to potential phone searches for signs of opposition. The crackdown follows a government directive to eliminate dissent after Maduro's removal. Diosdado Cabello, a close Maduro ally and Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, who is known for suppressing political dissent, is believed to control the colectivos. A state of emergency decree has ordered police to capture anyone supporting the U.S. "armed attack."

On Monday, Venezuelan security forces detained at least 14 journalists, mostly from foreign news organizations, who were covering the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro's seizure by US forces. The detentions occurred at the National Assembly, its surroundings, and in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas, as well as near the Colombia-Venezuela border in Cúcuta. Authorities searched equipment, phones, and social media accounts of the journalists before releasing most of them later that day, though one reporter was deported. The detentions coincided with Delcy Rodríguez being sworn in as interim president and her expression of willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration. The media union condemned the incidents and called for the release of 23 other media workers still detained in Venezuela, while residents reported increased security presence and restrictions on free expression in Caracas.