New developments in the Venezuela crisis have sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles following reports of a U.S. military operation targeting Venezuelan leadership. According to local media, a plane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores arrived at a U.S. military base in New York on Saturday, January 1, amid unverified claims of their detention.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation Saturday afternoon, declaring Maduro remains "the only legitimate president" and condemning what she called "an illegal foreign intervention." The statement came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for Washington to "run" Venezuela during a transitional period, vowing to ensure "safe and judicious" governance changes.
The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session Monday, January 3, to address the escalating situation. Multiple member states have already expressed concerns about potential violations of international law, while regional organizations are preparing coordinated responses.
Analysts suggest these developments could significantly impact global energy markets, given Venezuela's substantial oil reserves. Business leaders are closely monitoring potential disruptions to trade flows and international sanctions regimes. For Asian markets with significant energy imports from South America, the situation presents both risks and potential opportunities in alternative supply chains.
