Pope Leo XIV calls for Venezuelan welfare to come first amid US attacks, urges peace and justice

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) said that he has managed to settle several global conflicts, claiming he resolved "eight and one-quarter wars," including easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

The United Kingdom on Sunday called for a safe and peaceful transition of power in Venezuela following the end of Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK had long viewed Maduro as illegitimate and would consult allies, including the US, while stressing respect for international law and the Venezuelan people’s will.

Reacting to the US attacks on Venezuela, Pope Leo XIV said the welfare of the people must come before all else and the country’s sovereignty should be respected. After his Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square, he emphasized that “the welfare of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over all other considerations.” He added that this should “lead to overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country, ensuring the rule of law… respecting the human and civil rights… and working together to build a peaceful future,” especially supporting the poorest affected by the economic crisis.

Months after daring US President Donald Trump to “come get me” at Venezuela’s presidential palace, Nicolás Maduro was captured by US special forces in a pre-dawn raid in Caracas and flown to New York. The operation, part of “Operation Absolute Resolve,” ended his 12-year rule and followed months of surveillance and planning. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, now face charges of drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession, while Trump described the strike as a decisive blow against the Venezuelan regime.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, calling it an “act of war” and a violation of international law. He said he personally spoke to President Donald Trump to register his opposition and warned that the crisis could impact tens of thousands of Venezuelans living in New York.

Caracas and nearby cities plunged into panic after US airstrikes captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Indian resident Sunil Malhotra described widespread damage, long food queues, and power outages, with streets empty and daily life disrupted. Maduro was flown to New York to face charges, while Venezuela condemned the operation as a violation of international law. (Read more)

India on Sunday expressed deep concern over recent developments in Venezuela and said it is closely monitoring the situation, following the US special forces’ capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The US operation ended 12 years of Maduro’s rule, with the leader flown to New York to face drugs and weapons charges. The Indian Embassy in Caracas is in contact with citizens and will continue providing assistance. Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called it her country’s "hour of freedom," while US President Trump dismissed her prospects as leader.

Billionaire Elon Musk announced that SpaceX-owned Starlink will provide free broadband services in Venezuela through February 3, supporting citizens amid rapidly unfolding political developments. The move comes after US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro, with Venezuela’s Supreme Court naming Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president. Musk had earlier celebrated Maduro’s removal, saying Venezuela could now achieve the prosperity it deserves. (Read more)

Venezuela live updates: White House account shares video apparently showing Maduro

The White House Rapid Response account shared a video on X that appeared to show Maduro. It included the caption: "Perp walked."

He appears to be walking down a hallway on a carpet that states, "DEA NYD," and is escorted by three men in DEA jackets.

US President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, telling him to “watch his a**”, as Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was taken to a prison facility in New York, nearly a day after Washington launched its military operation in Venezuela.

Speaking to reporters, Trump accused Petro of allowing drug production that fuels cocaine trafficking into the United States. “He’s making cocaine, and they’re sending it into the United States, so he does have to watch his a**,” Trump said.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is appointed as the acting president of Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro’s capture. She is also the finance and oil minister of the Latin American nation. Read full Article

Venezuela live updates: 'Goodnight, Happy New Year': Maduro after landing In US

At least 40 people, including military personnel and civilians, were killed in the US attack on Venezuela early Saturday, a senior Venezuelan official said, speaking to New York Times.

Venezuela live updates: Video shows Nicolás Maduro being escorted by US officials upon arrival in New York

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said Saturday the government was ready "to defend" the country after an early-morning operation in which the US military seized strongman Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Rodriguez, who is next in line to succeed Maduro, insisted in a live address that "We are ready to defend Venezuela; we are ready to defend our natural resources" after US President Donald Trump said Washington intends to "run" the Caribbean nation and tap its huge oil reserves.

(AFP)

A convoy carrying captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday arrived at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offices in New York.