标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a dramatic escalation of international tensions, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has reportedly fled to Russia seeking political asylum. This development comes mere hours after a daring early morning operation conducted by United States forces resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

According to exclusive reporting from Reuters News Agency, four separate sources with direct knowledge of the situation have confirmed Rodríguez’s sudden departure to Russian territory. The vice president’s abrupt exit marks a significant turning point in Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis, which has seen increasing international involvement.

Prior to her departure, Rodríguez had issued a formal demand for the United States government to provide verifiable proof of life for both President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This request underscores the heightened concerns regarding the treatment and status of the captured Venezuelan leader.

The geopolitical implications of these events are substantial, potentially reshaping diplomatic relations between Venezuela, Russia, and the United States. Russia’s decision to grant refuge to Venezuela’s second-highest ranking official suggests strengthened alliances that could complicate international efforts to resolve the Venezuelan political standoff.

This development represents one of the most significant confrontations between the U.S. and Venezuelan governments in recent history, with potential ramifications for regional stability throughout Latin America. The situation continues to evolve rapidly as international observers monitor both Maduro’s status and Rodríguez’s activities in Russia.

Venezuela’s top prosecutor has launched a fierce diplomatic offensive against the United States, alleging Washington orchestrated military operations in Caracas that potentially endangered President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Attorney General Tarek William Saab issued a dramatic televised statement in the early hours of Saturday, characterizing the situation as an effective ‘kidnapping’ of the nation’s leadership due to their uncertain whereabouts following reported aerial assaults.

Drawing historical parallels to the 2002 coup that briefly ousted former president Hugo Chávez, Saab framed the current crisis as a defining moment in Venezuela’s political history. The prosecutor emphasized that the United States would bear full responsibility for the safety of Maduro and Flores, while simultaneously calling for intervention from United Nations bodies and international human rights organizations.

The Venezuelan government reported multiple explosions across strategic locations in Caracas, accompanied by low-flying aircraft operations that targeted both civilian and military infrastructure. Officials branded the incident as an ‘imperialist attack’ originating from the United States, though American authorities have maintained complete silence regarding the allegations.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez compounded the uncertainty by stating that the president’s condition remains unverified. Meanwhile, Saab has directed prosecutors to comprehensively document what he termed human rights violations connected to the alleged American operation, simultaneously criticizing international organizations for their perceived inaction during the crisis.

In a significant escalation of tensions, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has publicly announced the indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The charges, filed in the Southern District of New York, encompass multiple severe allegations, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and illegal possession of machine guns and destructive devices.

Bondi extended formal gratitude to President Donald Trump for his directive in pursuing international accountability. She also lauded U.S. military personnel for executing what she characterized as an ‘incredible and highly successful mission’ designed to apprehend the couple, whom she labeled as ‘alleged international narco traffickers.’

The Department of Justice has formally endorsed the operation, with Bondi underscoring that these unprecedented charges against a sitting head of state demonstrate the United States’ unwavering resolve to combat transnational criminal enterprises and uphold justice on a global scale. This legal action marks a pivotal moment in the fraught relationship between the two nations.

Guyana has mobilized its complete security infrastructure in response to escalating military actions between the United States and Venezuela, President Dr. Irfaan Ali confirmed on Saturday. The Guyanese leader announced the activation of comprehensive defense protocols to ensure national security and citizen safety following American airstrikes on multiple Venezuelan military sites.

President Ali addressed reporters regarding the heightened security measures, stating: “Our entire security architecture is fully active. The Guyana Defence Force and security forces are continuously monitoring the situation. Citizens should remain assured that our government is implementing all necessary protocols to safeguard our nation’s security interests.”

The administration has maintained ongoing communication with regional security partners and international organizations. CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett has received detailed briefings on the developing situation, while Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan has established contact with neighboring security counterparts. President Ali emphasized his commitment to transparency, promising to share updates as information becomes available.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to convene an emergency CARICOM leadership summit addressing the regional security implications. Simultaneously, President Ali has personally engaged with ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge regarding security measures for the nation’s substantial offshore oil operations, which currently produce approximately one million barrels daily.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has declared a national state of emergency, characterizing the US military actions as “extremely serious military aggression.” Residents of Caracas reported multiple explosions and aircraft activity, prompting Venezuela’s government to denounce what it described as imperialist aggression.

Maduro has ordered full mobilization of Venezuelan military and civilian forces to protect national sovereignty, while initiating formal complaints through United Nations channels, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Non-Aligned Movement. This response comes amid longstanding US allegations labeling Maduro a narco-terrorist leader, with Washington offering a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Heads of Government from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened an emergency session in the early hours of January 3rd following reports of escalating military activities within Venezuela. The regional body expressed profound apprehension regarding the situation, characterizing it as a matter of grave concern with potential ramifications for regional stability. CARICOM has initiated a comprehensive monitoring operation to track developments in real-time, emphasizing the possible spillover effects on neighboring nations. The organization has committed to maintaining transparent communication with the public, pledging to provide continuous updates as additional verified information becomes available. This swift diplomatic response underscores CARICOM’s strategic approach to regional security crises and its role as a stabilizing force in the Caribbean basin.