Maduro and Flores Appear in Manhattan Court Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores made their first appearance in a Manhattan federal courtroom, where they entered not‑guilty pleas on drug‑trafficking and weapons‑smuggling charges. Maduro told the judge he had been kidnapped in Caracas, framing the U.S. raid as an abduction rather than a lawful arrest. The hearing follows the U.S. special‑operations capture of Maduro in the Venezuelan capital earlier that weekend [1][2].

Caracas Streets Echo With Gunfire and Drone Lights Videos verified by CNN showed anti‑aircraft fire and bright drone lights over the city, while residents near Urdaneta Avenue reported gunshots close to the Miraflores presidential palace. Venezuela’s Ministry of Communication said police fired at unauthorized drones, and CNN‑monitored radio chatter indicated confusion among security forces and allied paramilitaries. By late night officials declared the situation calm, though the footage captured a tense, armed atmosphere [1][2].

Delcy Rodríguez Assumes Acting Presidency Amid US Claims Delcy Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro, was sworn in as acting president within hours of the capture and pledged cooperation with U.S. authorities. The Trump administration announced it would engage directly with Rodríguez, a move criticized by opposition groups as legitimizing the coup. President Donald Trump publicly declared he was “in charge” of Venezuela and warned of further action if Rodríguez ceased cooperation [1][2].

Congressional Briefings Reveal Unclear Legal Basis for Operation Members of Congress who received a classified briefing said they were not provided a full legal justification for the operation and had not been notified before troops entered Caracas. Lawmakers expressed concern over oversight, cost and the duration of any U.S. ground presence, noting the lack of a clear legal framework. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later confirmed that nearly 200 U.S. personnel were on the ground during the weekend raid, underscoring the scale of the mission [1][2].

U.S. Energy Officials Target Venezuelan Oil Revival U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright scheduled meetings with major oil executives to discuss re‑engaging American companies in Venezuela’s oilfields, a step aimed at reviving the country’s shattered energy sector. Industry sources told CNN that firms were surprised by the capture and remain wary of safety and financial risks, expecting a long, costly reconstruction process. The push aligns with broader U.S. efforts to stabilize Venezuela’s economy after the political upheaval [1].