Venezuela Roundup: UNSC emergency address, appointment of acting president, domestic flights resume

UN Security Council to convene emergency meeting

The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on January 5 to discuss what Venezuela has described as U.S. military aggression following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores from the country. The meeting, requested by Venezuela and convened by Somalia, which chairs the Council in January, was called for 10:00 a.m. (GMT-5). According to Venezuela’s permanent representative to the UN, Samuel Moncada, the request followed a “large-scale attack” carried out by U.S. forces on civilian and military locations in Caracas and the states of La Guaira, Aragua and Miranda. Several countries, including China, Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Nicaragua, Brazil and Turkey, expressed solidarity with Venezuela, stating that Washington had violated the UN Charter. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking after the operation, said the United States would oversee what he described as an “appropriate transition” in Venezuela. “We are going to get our big American oil companies, the biggest in the world, to invest billions of dollars…and start generating revenue for the country,” Trump said during a press conference.

Domestic flights resume

Several Venezuelan airlines announced the resumption of domestic flights from Sunday, January 4, after a temporary suspension. State carrier Conviasa said scheduled flights would operate “according to the established itinerary.” Laser Airlines confirmed that “only domestic flights are being reactivated,” adding that passengers booked for January 3 could reschedule “without penalty.” Aeropostal Alas de Venezuela said flights planned for Saturday would instead operate on Sunday “along with the flights scheduled according to the itinerary.” Airlines urged passengers to arrive at airports at least two hours early and ensure their contact details were up to date.  

Supreme Court appoints Delcy Rodríguez acting president

Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice ordered Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the presidency on an interim basis, citing the forced absence of President Maduro. Magistrate Tania D’Amelio, president of the Constitutional Chamber, said the court acted “in view of the foreign aggression that occurred this Saturday, January 3, 2026, against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as well as the kidnapping of Constitutional President Nicolás Maduro Moros and First Lady Cilia Flores.” The court described the situation as “exceptional, atypical and force majeure,” adding that the decision was necessary “to guarantee the administrative continuity of the State and the defense of the nation.”  

At least 40 killed in U.S. attack

At least 40 people, including civilians and military personnel, were killed during the U.S. attack on Venezuela, according to a senior Venezuelan official quoted by The New York Times. The report said one strike hit a residential building in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, killing an 80-year-old woman and leaving several families homeless. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed fatalities, saying there were deaths “among soldiers and civilians,” though the government has yet to publish an official casualty toll.

Artists react to Maduro’s capture

The capture of President Maduro sparked strong reactions among Venezuelan artists. Singer Carlos Baute posted a video on social media saying, “Venezuelans haven't slept a wink, folks. Finally, Mr. Trump said he's captured that tyrant Maduro. Congratulations, Venezuela, we're with you.” He later added, “Our Christmas present has come true.” Actress Marjorie de Sousa appealed for calm and faith, writing, “God, I ask you for my good people, cover them… long live my Venezuela. God is great, free Venezuela, one day will come.” Singer-songwriter Ricardo Montaner wrote, “Lord, watch over and bless the Venezuelan people, take away the wicked and let peace reign.” Meanwhile, singer Danny Ocean marked the moment by sharing an image of the Venezuelan flag.