Venezuela news Highlights: Opposition leader Machado vows to return home 'as soon as possible'

More than a dozen media workers were detained on Monday while covering events in the Venezuelan capital Caracas, including a march in support of ousted President Nicolas Maduro and the swearing-in of the country's new legislature, the South American nation's press association said, as reported by Reuters.

Reacting to recent remarks made by former US President Donald J Trump, former diplomat K P Fabian said, "I have been asking myself why President Trump said what he said."

Referring to India's decision to import oil from Russia, Trump, in an interview with a gaggle of journalists aboard Air Force One, had said, "They wanted to make me happy, basically... PM Modi is a very good man. He's a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly." (ANI)

More than a dozen media workers were detained on Monday while covering events in the Venezuelan capital Caracas, including a march in support of ousted President Nicolas Maduro and the swearing-in of the country's new legislature, the South American nation's press association said, as reported by Reuters.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised concerns on Monday about greater instability in Venezuela after the U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro, while the United States said it does not plan to occupy the Latin American country. (Reuters)

After the United States military intervention in Venezuela, the Mexican government and analysts discounted the likelihood of unilateral U.S. military action against Mexican drug cartels, despite threats from President Donald Trump.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has been complying with Washington's demands and the economic ties between the two countries are vital, they say. (AP)

Shots were fired late Monday near Venezuela's presidential palace, witnesses said, with a source close to the government adding the situation was under control, after US forces ousted Nicolas Maduro in a weekend raid, AFP reported.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has hired renowned criminal defense attorney Barry Pollack, known for representing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, to serve as his counsel in Manhattan, according to Bloomberg.

Pollack, an experienced trial lawyer based in Washington, filed a notice of appearance on Monday as Maduro’s attorney in the Southern District of New York narco-terrorism case, ahead of a hearing set for noon.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that he had told his US counterpart, Donald Trump, that Venezuela must not collapse into chaos, following the US removal of Maduro, his ally and the Venezuelan leader.

Erdogan stated that he discussed the U.S. operation, which led to Maduro being captured in Caracas and transferred to the United States, during a phone call with Trump.

"Any attack on the sovereignty of the people and any violation of international law will generate serious complications within the international order," Erdogan said he told Trump.

"Venezuela must not descend into chaos or instability," he added in remarks to Turkish television after a cabinet meeting.

The newly re-elected leader of Venezuela’s parliament pledged on Monday to pursue every possible measure to "bring back" ousted President Nicolas Maduro, who was captured in a US military operation over the weekend and flown to New York.

"My main function in the days to come... as president of this National Assembly, will be to resort to all procedures, all platforms, and all avenues to bring back Nicolas Maduro Moros, my brother, my president," Jorge Rodriguez told lawmakers.

Cilia Flores sustained “significant injuries” during her capture, according to her lawyer Mark E. Donnelly.

Donnelly stated she may have a fracture or severe bruising on her ribs.

The judge instructed prosecutors to ensure Flores receives proper medical attention. (AP)

As Nicolás Maduro was leaving the courtroom with federal officers, a man in the audience confronted him in Spanish, calling him an “illegitimate president.”

The man later said he had been imprisoned by the Venezuelan regime.

Maduro responded directly in Spanish, saying: “I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war.” (AP)

Nicolás Maduro requests release without prejudice to a future bail application, attorney Barry Pollack says.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein tells Maduro he can apply for bail when appropriate.

Next court hearing scheduled for March 17 at 11 a.m.

Maduro and his wife escorted out of the court room.

Cilia Flores has “severe bruising on her rib,” lawyer informs court.

Flores “will need appropriate attention” while held at the Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting trial.

Judge Hellerstein noted attorneys can coordinate with prosecutors regarding her care. (NBC News)

Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein asked Cilia Flores to confirm her identity in court.

Flores confirmed her name and declared: “I am first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.”

When asked to enter a plea, Flores responded: “Not guilty. Completely innocent.” (AP)

Nicolas Maduro’s lawyer confirmed that his not guilty plea applies to all charges.

The judge officially entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Maduro.

Maduro personally stated a second time: “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.”

Cilia Flores, wife of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, has pleaded not guilty in a US court to charges in a cocaine trafficking case.

Maduro pleads not guilty in US court, telling the judge 'I am a decent man, the president of my country', reports AP.

Maduro tells judge 'I was captured' as he makes his first US court appearance on drug trafficking charges.

Cilia Flores, wife of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, will be represented by a new attorney.

Flores has hired Mark Donnelly, a Texas-based lawyer, for her US court proceedings.

Around 100 protesters gathered outside a courthouse in New York City on Monday morning.

The protest was focused on the situation in Venezuela, specifically US actions.

Many held Venezuelan flags.

Some carried signs reading: “Free Pres. Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, Now!”

“U.S.A. HANDS OFF VENEZUELA.”

Majority demanded the US cease intervention in Venezuela. (NBC News)

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has hired prominent US criminal defence lawyer Barry Pollack to represent him in Manhattan criminal proceedings.

Pollack, a veteran Washington-based trial lawyer best known for representing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, formally entered the case on Monday.

Pollack filed a notice of appearance in the Southern District of New York, where Maduro faces federal narco-terrorism charges.

The move comes ahead of a scheduled noon hearing, marking Maduro’s first major legal step in contesting the US case against him.

The US has said at the UN that ‘There is no war against Venezuela or its people, we are not occupying a country.’

Russia and China have condemned US action in the Latin American country in the United Nations.

Russia joins China in the UN, calling for the release of Maduro and his wife.

The US envoy in UN says, “US will not waver in our actions to protect Americans from narco-terrorism and seeks peace, liberty and justice for people of Venezuela.” (Reuters)

China's Deputy UN Envoy said, as per Reuters, “We call on US to release Maduro, wife.”

“I remain deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected,” Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo said on Monday morning in a speech to the organization’s Security Council at an emergency meeting called to discuss the situation in Venezuela. (Bloomberg)

UN Security Council members convene to discuss the US strikes and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to Reuters

The oil market was volatile on Monday after US forces captured the leader of oil-rich Venezuela, triggering speculation about how the development could affect future crude supplies, as per AFP.

Oil prices initially jumped in response to the military operation to apprehend Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, but soon retreated amid expectations that Venezuela, which holds about a fifth of the world’s oil reserves, could rapidly boost production, adding to an already oversupplied market.

Prices later rebounded, however, as investors recognised that Venezuela is unlikely to significantly influence global oil supply in the near term, even with the support promised by US President Donald Trump.

Nicolás Maduro has been assigned a court-appointed attorney for his initial court appearance in New York.

David Wikstrom will represent the ousted Venezuelan leader, CNN reported citing a source.

Maduro is expected to appear before a judge in New York later today.

The appointment marks the formal start of Maduro’s US court process following his capture and transfer to New York.

UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting at 10 a.m. today in New York

Session called to discuss the United States’ capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro

Meeting requested formally by the Venezuelan government

Security Council includes five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the UK and the US

Ten additional non-permanent member nations will also take part

Emergency session reflects growing international concern over the US action

Discussions expected to focus on legality, diplomatic fallout and next steps

Heavy law enforcement presence deployed outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in New York.

Security tightened ahead of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s first court appearance.

Maduro arrived under escort to face US federal charges.

His first appearance marks the first formal step in US criminal proceedings against.

Charges relate to longstanding US indictments, including narcotics-related offences.

Nicolás Maduro will have spent over 24 hours in one of the most notorious US jails when he appears in court on Monday to face charges that could potentially keep him imprisoned for life, according to Bloomberg.

The ousted Venezuelan president and his wife, Cilia Flores, were placed with roughly 1,330 inmates at the infamous Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Saturday following a surprise nighttime raid that involved a US warship, a plane, and a helicopter.

For years, the massive concrete facility has faced harsh criticism from judges, lawyers, and watchdogs. In 2024, one judge described conditions at New York City’s only federal jail as “dreadful in many respects", while another called them “dangerous, barbaric".

By all accounts, it is a stark contrast to the privileged public life Maduro and Flores had previously led.

Ousted Venezuela leader Nicolas Maduro reached a federal courthouse in Manhattan on Monday, according to Reuters.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday stated that it is up to the United States to explain its actions in Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, calling the situation "not straightforward."

Speaking to reporters, Starmer said, "What we need in Venezuela is a peaceful transition to democracy. That was our position before this weekend, it remains our position."

He added, "International law is the framework, is the anchor or the benchmark, against which we judge the actions of all other governments. And it is, of course, for the US to justify the action that it has taken. It is not straightforward. It is complicated, and even today, there are further developments."

The Russian embassy in Caracas has warned its citizens against traveling to Venezuela, according to the state-run TASS news agency on Monday.

The advisory follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States conducted a strike in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife.

US oil shares climbed in premarket trading on Monday after President Donald Trump pledged to revitalise Venezuela’s energy industry following the weekend capture of Nicolás Maduro.

Chevron Corp., the only American oil major operating in Venezuela under special US authorisation, rose by up to 10%, while ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil Corp. also saw gains, according to Bloomberg.

Bangladesh on Monday expressed concern over the latest developments in Venezuela, as unfolding events in the South American nation continue to attract global attention, according to ANI.

The statement follows dramatic changes in Venezuela after a US military operation on Saturday led to the capture of deposed dictator Nicolas Maduro.

In a press release, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Bangladesh notes with concern the recent developments in Venezuela."

It added that "Bangladesh believes that diplomacy and dialogue should prevail to solve all disputes between countries and reaffirms her steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law."

US President Donald Trump on Sunday raised the possibility of military action against Colombia’s government, telling reporters that such a move “sounds good to me”, sparking a sharp reaction from officials in Bogotá, according to Reuters.

His remarks followed a US operation early Saturday in which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was seized in a raid and flown to New York to face drug-trafficking charges.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump appeared to target Colombian President Gustavo Petro, saying: "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."

The US lifted airspace restrictions around the Caribbean after military operations in Venezuela upended travel in the region just as many vacationers are trying to get home from their winter breaks.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on X that the original restrictions will expire at 12 a.m. Eastern time and airlines have been informed.

Vacation hot spots such as Barbados, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda, and Trinidad and Tobago saw hundreds of flight cancellations Saturday. Delta Air Lines Inc. said it expects to resume its normal Caribbean schedule on Sunday with possible adjustments.

(Bloomberg)

Vacation hot spots such as Barbados, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Barbuda, and Trinidad and Tobago were all reporting flight cancellations or delays Saturday due to the military activity.

Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, invited the US to work with her country on a “cooperation agenda,” following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

“We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on a cooperation agenda, aimed at shared development, within the framework of international law, and to strengthen lasting community coexistence,” she said in a statement released late on Sunday.

Striking a conciliatory tone, Rodríguez also called for a “balanced and respectful” international relationship between the two countries, reaffirming her commitment to peace. “Our country aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation.”

(Bloomberg)

Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, invited the US to work with her country on a “cooperation agenda,” following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

“We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on a cooperation agenda, aimed at shared development, within the framework of international law, and to strengthen lasting community coexistence,” she said in a statement released late on Sunday.

Questioning foreign involvement in domestic affairs, former Indian ambassador to Venezuela YK Sinha said no self-respecting country or people would tolerate being governed by an external power, regardless of political affiliations. "Will any self-respecting country, self-respecting people, irrespective of what their political affiliations are, accept being run by a foreign power?" he told ANI, adding that such moves evoke memories of "the days of colonialism and gunboat diplomacy."

At least 32 Cubans were killed in a US attack carried out as part of an operation to take Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro into custody, NBC News reported citing local media.

According to an official statement, the victims died after putting up fierce resistance — either during direct clashes with the attackers or due to airstrikes on targeted facilities. Cuba has announced two days of national mourning beginning Tuesday.

Global financial markets are bracing for a skittish trading day after the US ousted Venezuela’s president, triggering a fresh flashpoint that may stoke geopolitical tensions and curb the flow of oil from the region, Bloomberg reported.

Brent crude oil fell as much as 1.2% to $60 a barrel as trading started in Asia. US equity-index futures and Australian shares both opened 0.1% higher. The dollar was mixed against its major peers, while Treasury futures were little changed. Mexico’s peso was indicated weaker in initial quotations in a proxy response to the developments.