Venezuela News Live Updates: Venezuela to release 'large number' of prisoners, top lawmaker says

In a dramatic escalation of US-Venezuela tensions, the United States launched pre-dawn airstrikes across Caracas on Saturday, reportedly hitting both military and civilian targets, and causing at least seven explosions. Venezuela declared a national emergency and mobilized its armed forces as citizens were urged to take to the streets. Hours later, President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores had been captured and placed in US custody. Maduro and Flores face charges of narco-terrorism and drug- and weapons-related offenses in New York. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a Manhattan federal courtroom, pleading not guilty to drug trafficking and narco‑terrorism charges, calling his capture unlawful and asserting his legitimacy. Following the overthrow and capture of Maduro, armed paramilitary groups have been deployed across Caracas to enforce authority, intensifying fear and uncertainty among civilians amid reports of crackdowns and restrictions.Trump claimed the US would temporarily govern Venezuela, oversee a “safe, proper, and judicious transition,” and secure Venezuelan oil resources, announcing plans to take possession of 30–50 million barrels of crude. This move follows months of US pressure, including sanctions, drug interdiction operations, and a $50 million bounty on Maduro. International reactions have been critical, with questions raised over the legality of the operation, as Congress did not authorize the use of force. Despite the strikes, Venezuelan state media continues pro-government broadcasts, and the military appears to maintain control over key installations. Analysts note the oil transfer could generate $1.65–2.75 billion but may have a limited impact on US fuel prices.The strikes killed at least 56 people — including 24 Venezuelan security officers and 32 Cuban military and police personnel, with additional civilian deaths reported — according to Venezuelan and Cuban authorities. Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez has declared seven days of national mourning for military personnel killed in the U.S. operation. Cuba has also announced days of mourning for its fallen soldiers.Seven U.S. servicemembers were also injured during the raid, with five already back on duty and two still recovering.The US operation has drawn global condemnation, with the UN criticizing it as a violation of international law and Venezuela declaring a week of mourning for its forces.