Thousands of motorcycle riders and transport workers flooded Caracas' streets on January 13 in a coordinated protest, calling for the return of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The demonstration followed their reported detention by U.S. authorities earlier this month, marking one of the most significant political developments in Latin America this year.
Protesters waved Venezuelan flags and chanted slogans supporting the embattled leader as convoys snaked through the capital. Nicolás Maduro Guerra, the president's son, addressed crowds with an alleged message from his parents: "We remain steadfast in our convictions and fully support Acting President Delcy Rodríguez's interim leadership."
The mobilization comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Asian energy markets closely monitoring Venezuela's political stability. As one of the world's largest oil producers, any prolonged leadership crisis could impact global crude supplies and pricing structures affecting major Asian economies.
