3-Day Update: Impacts from US Military Operations in Venezuela
Venezuela: Last 48 Hours
Maritime Update: US Naval ”Quarantine” of Venezuela
Venezuela-Related Global Unrest
Ongoing Travel Disruptions in the Caribbean
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SEERIST EVENT REPORT
On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas and transferred them to the U.S. where they pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and related charges in a New York federal court on January 5. Maduro asserted his continued presidency and claimed he was kidnapped, while Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president in Venezuela. The operation sparked international condemnation, protests worldwide, and heightened civil and political tensions in Venezuela.
The U.S. government, led by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, defended the operation as a lawful "police action" targeting fugitives from U.S. justice, emphasizing Maduro's alleged role as a drug trafficker and the operation's success without U.S. casualties. The arrest has triggered international condemnation from Russia, China, the United Nations, and protests in Latin America, Asia, and Europe, citing violations of Venezuelan sovereignty and international law. (DiscoverAI)
On 5 Jan, Seerist’s Pulse stability score remains outside of average levels, having dropped significantly on 3 Jan.
As of 4 Jan, Control Risks’ evacuation level remains at STANDBY.
Red diamonds are Seerist’s verified ”war” events in and around Caracas, showing US military strike locations on 3 Jan. Blue circles denote verified “unrest” events since the strikes and capture of Maduro, with details provided.
Maritime Update
CURRENT POLITICAL AND SECURITY SITUATION
Newspaper The New York Times on 5 January reported that multiple US-sanctioned tankers have departed Venezuela in recent days in defiance of the ongoing US “quarantine” on such vessels.
The vessel departures by themselves are unlikely to alter US policy towards Venezuela or the shape of the “quarantine”. This breach of the blockade was likely driven spontaneously by the vessel owners, rather than organised by interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez or port authorities. Regardless, the US will likely maintain its “quarantine” in the coming weeks; how strictly it is enforced will depend on Caracas’s compliance with US demands.
GenAI Situation Report sourced directly from reliability-rated news (Current as of 5 Jan 4:00pm ET) Protests related to the political situation in Venezuela have occurred globally following the U.S. military capture and arrest of Nicolás Maduro on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges. In Venezuela, supporters of Maduro organized demonstrations in Caracas demanding his release and expressing loyalty, while some also protested against perceived 'American imperialism.' Internationally, the response was divided: while celebrations occurred in places like Puerto Rico and Florida, significant protests took place in Seoul, South Korea, Australia, and Barcelona, condemning the U.S. action, calling for Venezuelan sovereignty, and opposing foreign intervention. Russia and China also voiced condemnation, deeming the U.S. action a violation of international law. Additionally, separate protests have been noted denouncing supposed U.S. military intervention in Venezuela.
Protests in Venezuela Following the arrest and transfer of Nicolás Maduro to the United States to face charges, his supporters organized protests in Caracas. These demonstrations, often orchestrated by the government to display popular backing, involved hundreds to thousands of individuals waving flags and holding banners, demanding Maduro's release and expressing loyalty. Concurrently, some in Venezuela protested against perceived 'American imperialism' in relation to Maduro's capture.
International Protests and Reactions The arrest of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces triggered a divided global response, with protests erupting worldwide. In Seoul, near the U.S. Embassy, demonstrators protested Maduro's arrest, chanting slogans against U.S. interference and calling for Venezuelan sovereignty. Conversely, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in Florida, celebrations marked Maduro's capture. Demonstrations also occurred in Australia, Barcelona, and South Korea, with protesters opposing perceived foreign intervention and advocating for an end to Maduro's government. Russia and China condemned the U.S. action as a violation of international law. Protests Against US Intervention Beyond protests directly related to Maduro's arrest, demonstrations have occurred denouncing perceived U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. These protests highlight opposition to foreign military actions and a desire to maintain national sovereignty.
EventsAI sentiment models show a dramatic spike in news and social associated with unrest focused on the latest US military operations in Venezuela.
Seerist’s news and social coverage via EventsAI of Venezuela-related protests across Europe in the past 3 days, showing increases across dozens of cities.
Seerist’s news and social coverage via EventsAI of Venezuela-related protests across Canada and the United States in the past 3 days, showing increases across dozens of cities.
GenAI Situation Report sourced directly from reliability-rated news (Current as of 5 Jan 4:00pm ET) Caribbean travel experienced significant disruptions following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily closed Caribbean airspace, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations by major airlines and stranding thousands of travelers, particularly in Puerto Rico and Aruba. While flights began to resume on Sunday, January 4, 2026, after the airspace restrictions were lifted, airlines are still working to reaccommodate passengers and manage a backlog. This includes adding flights and increasing capacity. Travelers may still face delays and additional costs as services normalize over the coming days.
Seerist’s news and social coverage of travel disruptions due to US military operation via EventsAI. Volume of events shows a decrease in impact between 3 Jan and 5 Jan but key locations remain problematic as airlines accommodate passengers. Select news stories also highlighted below.
Airspace Closure and Flight Cancellations The U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, caused temporary closures of Caribbean airspace. This resulted in widespread flight cancellations and disruptions for thousands of travelers, particularly affecting busy travel periods. Major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines, suspended or canceled hundreds of flights to and from Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico, Aruba, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Resumption of Flights and Airline Adjustments Following the lifting of FAA restrictions on Sunday morning, airlines began to resume flights to and from the Caribbean. Major carriers like Avianca, Latam, Copa, Iberia, American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest are working to reaccommodate affected passengers by rescheduling flights, adding extra services, and increasing capacity. Some airlines are adding thousands of seats to their Caribbean routes to manage the backlog and stranded passengers. Ongoing Passenger Impact and Recovery Despite the resumption of flights, travelers continue to experience the effects of the disruptions, including long lines at airports like Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico. Some passengers are facing additional costs and extended stays due to the cancellations. Experts anticipate a multi-day recovery period to fully normalize services due to the logistical challenges and the number of stranded passengers.
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