Massive explosions shook Caracas early Saturday as U.S. forces conducted strikes and detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple remains held at a New York detention center ahead of a court appearance Monday on alleged drug-related charges. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Sunday that Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, would face consequences if she continued to reject cooperation with Washington.
International backlash followed the unprecedented operation, with multiple nations condemning the use of military force against a sovereign state. Diplomatic channels have been flooded with statements calling for restraint and adherence to international law.
Analysts suggest the escalation could destabilize regional security frameworks, while investors monitor potential impacts on global oil markets. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and further volatility may reshape energy trade dynamics in 2026.
