Venezuela faced turmoil on Monday night as gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in Caracas following the sudden ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. Social media videos captured the sound of continuous gunfire in the capital, with footage showing armed individuals in the vicinity of the Miraflores Palace.
Reports indicated that residents heard what they described as “anti-aircraft” blasts near the palace, with disorder spreading through the streets after Maduro and his wife were reportedly taken from their home and flown to the United States to face drug trafficking charges. Witnesses mentioned seeing drones and anti-aircraft fire lighting up the night sky around 8:15 pm local time.
In response, US President Donald Trump announced plans to support Venezuela in rebuilding its infrastructure, suggesting a potential 18-month period before new elections could be held. Trump emphasized the need to stabilize the country before allowing citizens to participate in elections.
On another front, China issued a concise demand after the US captured Maduro, expressing concerns over the escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington DC. Maduro and his wife were forcibly removed from their compound and are set to appear in a New York court facing charges of narco-terrorism and drug smuggling.
The US raid on Maduro’s seizure reverberated globally, signaling a willingness to take bold actions against perceived threats. Beijing and Moscow, traditional adversaries of US dominance, condemned the move as Maduro faced trial in the US. The Chinese foreign ministry demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, expressing deep worries over their removal from the country.