Just hours after major American media outlets reported that Venezuela's loyal Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, allegedly collaborated with the CIA and American forces for the invasion that toppled and kidnapped Nicolás Maduro to the US, the situation in the country is volatile. Throughout the night, from Monday, January 5, to Tuesday, January 6, 2026, gunfire was recorded in Venezuela near the Presidential Palace in Caracas. At the same time, there are conflicting reports regarding the situation. CNN confirms that something is happening, although it is not clear exactly what—an expected development following an apparent coup action with American military support.
Gunfire near the Presidential Palace of Venezuela
Shots were heard in the capital, Caracas, on Monday night near the Miraflores Presidential Palace. Videos geolocated by CNN show lights resembling drones and anti-aircraft fire in the night sky. It is unclear what the situation relates to. CNN has contacted the Venezuelan Ministries of Communication and Foreign Affairs for more information. Scenarios vary: celebratory fire, a counter-revolutionary reaction, accidental activation of anti-aircraft systems, or an invasion of the Presidential Palace?
Unidentified drones
New reports indicate that Venezuelan security forces opened fire on unidentified drones over the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas. Reports suggest the unrest may have been caused by a civilian or hobbyist drone mistaken for a threat. Some circulating videos show potential guerrilla tactics, although there are reports that the gunfire has subsided.
Scandal and diplomatic backdrop
Rumors about the high-ranking official who handed Maduro over to American forces and collaborated with the CIA have been circulating all day. An article by the Wall Street Journal confirms that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been at the center of these scenarios. A secret assessment by American intelligence services concluded that high-ranking members of Nicolás Maduro's regime, including Delcy Rodríguez, were the most suitable to lead a transitional government in Caracas and ensure short-term stability if Maduro lost power. The assessment was presented to President Trump and a small circle of senior administration officials, influencing the decision to support Rodríguez instead of opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado. President Trump stated that we must "fix" Venezuela before elections are held to replace the ousted Maduro.
Unrest in the US
With international media cameras gathered outside the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan, Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are preparing to appear on charges related to narcotics and weapons trafficking. Maduro maintains his innocence: "I am innocent. I am an honest man. I am the president of Venezuela. I consider myself a prisoner of war." Cilia Flores also pleads not guilty to the American charges. Meanwhile, dozens of protest groups with banners such as "USA hands off Venezuela" and "US out of Latin America" are in the American capital, while others celebrate the removal of Maduro, who was accused by Washington in July of election fraud to stay in power. Tensions exist between Venezuelans living in the US, paid leftist activists, pro-socialists, and anti-war Americans, with clashes escalating around the courthouse.
New leadership and commitments to the US
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, now interim President, has directly expressed a willingness to cooperate with the US. "We consider the creation of a balanced and respectful relationship between the US and Venezuela a priority," she wrote on Telegram. She added that the Caracas government invites the US to a joint cooperation program, within the framework of international law, to "strengthen the long-term coexistence of the community." Meanwhile, the US is preparing to reopen its embassy in Caracas, provided President Trump gives his approval.
Military and diplomatic developments
President Trump warned that if Venezuelan authorities do not cooperate, the US will carry out a second strike. Plans for a ground mission are being considered, while Washington appears ready to move in Colombia, which has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, with the support of China and Russia. At the same time, Switzerland proceeded with the immediate seizure of the assets of Maduro and his associates.
Maduro's son takes the reins
In the meantime, the only son of Nicolás Maduro called on the citizens of Venezuela to take to the streets of Caracas, protesting the arrest of his father, whom he described as an unfairly overthrown leader. Following the dramatic arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by American forces over the weekend, his son made a public call to the country's citizens to express their support for the fallen leader. Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra stated that supporters of the regime will take to the streets united. "You will see us in the streets. You will see a people united. You will see us raising the flags of dignity," he said. In a sharp tone, he added: "They want to see us weak, but they will not see us that way. I swear by my life, I swear by my father, I swear by Cilia, that we will overcome this crisis."
The search for traitors
Amid rumors of a traitor within Maduro's inner circle, the son of the deposed president stated: "History will show who the traitors were. History will reveal them." At the same time, new tension is recorded in Colombia, as President Gustavo Petro threatened to "take up arms" in the event that Donald Trump orders an attack against his country, warning that such an action would release "the jaguar of the people." Petro strongly defended Colombia's national sovereignty with a social media post following statements by Trump, who accused him of "producing cocaine and selling it to the United States," leaving open the possibility of military intervention. Speaking from Air Force One on Monday, Trump stated: "Colombia is also very sick, run by a sick man who likes to make cocaine and sell it to the United States – and that will not continue for long."
www.bankingnews.gr
Σχόλια αναγνωστών