Caracas. Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

Around 2,000 supporters of Nicolas Maduro gathered in Caracas, calling for the immediate release of the ousted Venezuelan president and his wife from a New York jail. Captured by US forces, Maduro faces charges of "narcoterrorism" linked to alleged cocaine trafficking. Supporters, many accompanied by paramilitaries and bikers, displayed Venezuelan flags and placards demanding his freedom.

Tensions have mounted following a series of airstrikes by US forces during Maduro's capture, allegedly resulting in numerous casualties. Reports indicate that the former leader's inner circle betrayed him, leading to approximately 70 deaths and 90 injuries. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez denounced the killings but provided no specific numbers.

Donald Trump's announcement about the US managing Venezuela during a transitional period has sparked anger. Protesters denounced Trump, with some accusing him of terrorism. Nairda Itriago, one angry supporter, claimed the US was responsible for innocent deaths during strikes aimed at weakening Venezuela's defences.

Amidst allegations of betrayal, questions have arisen about how US forces were able to bypass Maduro’s security. Maduro's son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, expressed doubts about possible insiders playing a role in his father’s capture. An audio message shared widely on social media echoed suspicions of espionage within Maduro's circle.

On Monday, Maduro will appear in court in New York to face the charges against him. The Bangkok Post reported that as tensions escalate, the world remains focused on Venezuela, anticipating the repercussions of these dramatic developments.

Key Takeaways:

• Supporters demand the release of Nicolas Maduro, captured by US forces.

• Allegations of betrayal and casualties fuel tensions in Venezuela.

• Maduro faces narcoterrorism charges in a New York court this Monday.

Related stories

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Trump: US has 'captured' President Maduro as he strikes Caracas

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-05

 

 

Saw some videos of people in the streets supposedly cheering America. Unfortunately, deliberately misleading. The community note on Twitter explained

The video shows students

participating in a "undie run," a

tradition at U.S. universities like

UCLA or Chap

oman where they

run in underwear to de-stress

before finals, not a celebration in

Venezuela.

https://dailybruin.com/2022/05

/21/the-quad-uclas-quarterly-

undie-run-celebrates-20th-

anniversary-as-school-tradition

https://countynews.tv/orange-

chapman-undie

-run-brings-

hundreds-despite-frigid-

temperatures/

…..and it begins!

4 hours ago, AustinRacing said:

…..and it begins!

Indeed, this is reminiscent of the US invasion of Iraq when the US narrative was swapped from “well we thought there were WMD” to “Saddam’s gotta go “ to justify the illegal invasion which led to a million lost lives and counting.

Expect more of such lies from the far right Trumpers in their attempts to normalise the lunacy of their cult leader.

I would rally in the street also. There is possibly something to be hopeful for. When your country has over 55% poverty, inflation to sometimes hyperinflation, poor power and water infrastructure with both going off for sometime, schools that lack resources, hospitals without supplies,

I would be dancing that there is hope for the future.