Venezuela has released another 131 people considered political prisoners, in what authorities and international observers see as a significant development in the country’s ongoing reconciliation process following the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro by US forces.

The interim Venezuelan government said on Friday that the 131 people had been granted “alternative measures from incarceration” under its Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence.

The releases came as government and opposition representatives continue talks aimed at managing Venezuela’s political transition and addressing longstanding concerns over political detentions.

Families Reunite Outside Prison

Emotional scenes were reported outside El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, around 50 kilometres east of Caracas, where several released prisoners were reunited with their families.

The releases brought renewed attention to the issue of political prisoners in Venezuela, which has remained one of the most contentious issues between the interim government and opposition groups.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the development, calling the release of more than 130 political prisoners an important step in Venezuela’s reconciliation process.

Rubio said that 1,046 Venezuelans had been released since January 3, according to the latest US government figures.

Rights Group Confirms Releases

Venezuelan human rights organisation Foro Penal, which has campaigned for the release of people it considers political prisoners, said six women were among those released.

The organisation later said that the release of at least 40 political prisoners had been independently confirmed.

However, opposition figures have stressed that the latest releases do not represent the end of the political prisoner issue.

Opposition leader Dinorah Figuera said that not everyone had been released and called for continued efforts until all political prisoners were freed.

Talks Focus on Reconciliation

The latest releases came a day after Figuera pledged to continue pushing for the release of political prisoners during formal negotiations with Venezuela’s interim government.

The first round of US-brokered talks began last week and concluded on Wednesday. Government and opposition representatives subsequently agreed to cooperate on several issues related to Venezuela’s recovery.

A joint statement said the two sides would work on recovering Venezuelan funds frozen overseas to support reconstruction following devastating June earthquakes that killed more than 6,300 people.

The parties also agreed to discuss reforms to Venezuela’s judicial system. However, the joint statement did not specifically address political prisoners.

Maduro Era Left Detention Legacy

Nicolas Maduro ruled Venezuela from 2013 until his removal earlier this year. His government faced years of accusations from opposition groups and human rights organisations over the detention of political opponents and activists.

Following Maduro’s removal by US forces in January, the interim government began releasing groups of prisoners under pressure from Washington.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez also supported an amnesty law passed in February, which paved the way for further releases.

Despite the recent developments, Foro Penal said earlier this week that 391 political prisoners remained behind bars.

High-Profile Release

Among those released was Emirlendris Benitez, whose case has attracted international attention.

Benitez was arrested following a 2018 incident in which two drones carrying explosives flew towards Maduro while he was addressing a military parade in Caracas. The drones exploded, injuring seven soldiers.

Benitez, who was four months pregnant at the time of her arrest, denied involvement in the alleged assassination plot. She and her partner, Yolmer Escalona, were eventually sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Human rights organisations have alleged that Benitez was tortured while in detention and that the abuse resulted in a miscarriage and partial paralysis.

Opposition Seeks Democratic Elections

The reconciliation process is being led by Figuera and Jorge Rodriguez, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who is currently in exile and is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has not participated directly in the negotiations. She has, however, said she would not obstruct the process.

Many Venezuelans are hoping that the talks will eventually pave the way for free and democratic elections.

Maduro's victories in the 2018 and 2024 presidential elections were rejected by Venezuela's opposition and several foreign governments, which questioned the credibility of the electoral process.

The latest prisoner releases therefore represent an important but incomplete step in Venezuela's broader political transition, with pressure remaining on the interim government to address the status of those still detained and establish a credible path towards democratic governance.

Venezuela has confirmed that the death toll from last month's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 5,069, as the country begins a massive reconstruction effort backed by $346 million in emergency funding released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck within a minute of each other on June 24, causing widespread destruction in the coastal state of La Guaira, about 40 kilometres northeast of the capital, Caracas.

Over 5,000 Lives Lost

National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez announced that the confirmed death toll has reached 5,069, with the worst devastation reported in La Guaira, where entire neighbourhoods suffered extensive damage.

Authorities said the number of injured remains at 16,740, with most patients having already been discharged from hospitals following weeks of emergency medical treatment.

Search, recovery and damage assessment operations have continued across the affected regions since the disaster struck.

IMF Releases Emergency Funding

The Venezuelan government also announced that it has accessed $346 million from the IMF to support relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said the funds would be used to accelerate reconstruction in the earthquake-hit regions and restore critical infrastructure.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva confirmed that the institution had facilitated Venezuela's access to its own reserve resources for urgent humanitarian needs through its reserve tranche mechanism.

Thousands Remain Displaced

Despite ongoing relief operations, nearly 20,000 people remain displaced after losing their homes in the earthquakes.

Many survivors are currently living in temporary shelters and overcrowded relief camps, where authorities continue to face challenges in providing adequate drinking water, sanitation facilities and essential healthcare services.

Humanitarian agencies have warned that rebuilding damaged communities is likely to take several months.

IMF Relations Resume

The latest funding reflects a significant shift in Venezuela's relationship with international financial institutions.

Venezuela holds approximately 3.568 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) at the IMF, equivalent to around $5.1 billion.

Access to these resources had remained restricted for years due to international recognition disputes involving the country's political leadership.

Earlier this year, the IMF and the World Bank resumed engagement with Venezuela following major political developments that reshaped the country's relations with international institutions.

Reconstruction Challenges Ahead

The earthquakes caused extensive damage to homes, roads, public buildings and essential infrastructure across northern Venezuela, particularly in coastal communities.

Government agencies have prioritised restoring electricity, water supply and transportation networks while continuing to assess long-term reconstruction needs.

Officials say the newly released IMF funds will help finance emergency housing, infrastructure repair and humanitarian assistance as Venezuela begins recovering from one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history.

The survivor, identified as Hernán Gil, was rescued after emergency personnel detected signs of life beneath nearly 140 tonnes of concrete and debris. Officials described the operation as one of the most technically challenging rescue missions carried out since the earthquakes devastated parts of the country. According to rescue workers, Gil had remained trapped inside the ruins for more than a week before his faint cries for help were heard during a search operation on Sunday. Allan Madrigal, a paramedic with the Costa Rican Red Cross, said he initially believed he had imagined the sound and asked a fellow rescuer to confirm it before teams launched an intensive effort to reach the trapped man.

Gil, who worked as a security guard, was on duty inside a small reinforced concrete security booth in the basement parking area near the Galerias Playa Grande shopping mall in Catia La Mar when the earthquakes struck. Rescue officials believe the concrete structure shielded him from the collapsing debris and played a crucial role in his survival. Medical teams supplied Gil with water and intravenous fluids while rescue personnel carefully removed debris to prevent further collapse. Emergency responders from Venezuela were joined by specialists from Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal and the United States during the complex rescue operation.

Rescuers established visual contact with Gil after inserting a small camera through a narrow opening in the rubble. They later provided him with a protective face mask and safety goggles to minimise dust exposure while excavation work continued. Marco Antonio Franco of the Mexican Red Cross said Gil remained calm throughout the rescue effort and regularly communicated with emergency personnel. According to rescuers, he even requested specific flavours of hydration drinks while waiting to be freed.

A Chilean firefighter involved in the mission described the operation as the most technically demanding rescue he had ever participated in, citing the unstable debris and confined working conditions. Meanwhile, authorities said the death toll from the twin earthquakes has climbed to nearly 2,300. Thousands of people are still reported missing, while rescue and recovery teams continue searching damaged buildings in the hope of finding more survivors. Emergency response agencies remain deployed across the affected regions as humanitarian assistance and relief operations continue. Officials have said search efforts will continue despite increasingly difficult conditions at several collapsed structures.

The 7.5 magnitude quake is the strongest to hit the country since 1900; international rescue teams are being deployed as acting president declares a state of emergency.

At least 164 people have been confirmed dead and nearly 1,000 injured after two powerful earthquakes — measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude — struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, reducing buildings to rubble and triggering widespread panic across the capital and coastal regions.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who announced the death toll on Thursday, described the situation as a "true tragedy." The number of casualties is expected to rise significantly. A website tracking missing persons has listed over 7,380 people as unaccounted for as of Thursday afternoon.

The first quake struck about 160 km west of Caracas at a depth of 13 km. Less than a minute later, a second, stronger tremor of 7.5 magnitude hit near Morón at a depth of just 10 km. The shallower depth meant more intense ground shaking, causing severe damage across a wide area.

This is Venezuela's strongest earthquake event in 126 years, surpassing any since the magnitude 7.7 quake of 1900.

La Guaira Becomes 'Disaster Zone'

The port city of La Guaira, north of Caracas, has been the worst-hit area. Officials said at least 15 buildings collapsed there, with rescue teams continuing to search for survivors. Acting President Rodríguez described the area as a "disaster zone."

In Caracas, several residential buildings collapsed, including a five-flat structure in the San Bernardino district. The Chacao municipality reported four building collapses and at least one death, with 30 other structures deemed structurally compromised.

Rescue workers have pulled several survivors from the debris. Three children were rescued alive from a collapsed building in La Guaira. In the Baruta municipality, search operations were completed after three people were confirmed dead in the Las Minas de Baruta parish.

Internet Disrupted, Gas Supply Cut

Internet connectivity across Venezuela dropped to 59% of normal levels shortly after the quakes, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. The disruption, linked to power outages and infrastructure damage, has hampered information flow from affected areas.

Venezuela's interior minister said gas supplies were temporarily cut off as a precaution while authorities assess damage to prevent gas-related accidents.

The Simon Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía sustained significant damage and remains closed. Schools have been ordered closed nationwide, with some buildings being converted into relief shelters.

USGS Warns Death Toll Could Cross 10,000

The US Geological Survey has issued a red alert — the highest warning level — estimating that fatalities could range between 10,000 and 100,000. The agency puts a 44% chance that the death toll exceeds 10,000 and a 30% chance it surpasses 100,000.

The estimate is based on the earthquake's magnitude, depth, ground shaking, population exposure, and comparisons to similar past events. The final toll will depend on factors like building quality and the time of day the quake struck.

International Response Pours In

US President Donald Trump pledged "a whole-of-government response" to the disaster, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying it will be "big, fast, and effective."

Several nations have offered assistance:

- El Salvador: 300 rescuers and 50 tonnes of equipment ready for deployment

- Germany: Six A400M military transport aircraft on standby

- Switzerland: 80 rescue workers and 18 tonnes of equipment being sent

- EU: Copernicus satellite surveillance activated

- UN: Specialist rescue teams certified by the UN are en route

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and said India stands ready to assist in every possible way.

A City in Shock

Luis Alejandro Ruiz Garcia, a 25-year-old Caracas resident, described scenes of devastation. He received a Google earthquake alert moments before violent shaking cracked a wall in his home. "When we went downstairs, it looked like something out of a horror movie. We had to climb over the rubble from the building. You could hear the banging and the screams of people calling for help."

Another resident, Maria Alejandra, told Al Jazeera: "The walls had fallen, the bars were broken. I only saw one family make it out."

The earthquake struck in the evening, and rescue teams have been working through the rubble all night. The government has declared a nationwide state of emergency.

Japan Also Hit by 6.9 Magnitude Quake

In a separate development, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Japan's northeastern coast. Authorities reported no tsunami threat and no major damage or casualties so far. Bullet train services between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori were temporarily suspended as a precaution.

US President Donald Trump said a Cuba operation similar to the Venezuela mission is “possible”, though his administration continues to publicly favour a peaceful transition in Havana.

Fresh remarks by US President Donald Trump have reignited speculation about Washington's long-term strategy towards Cuba after he suggested that a Venezuela-style operation on the island remains a possibility.

In an interview with The Axios Show, Trump was asked whether a potential US operation in Cuba could resemble the mission carried out earlier this year in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Responding to the question, Trump said such a scenario was "possible." 

The comments have drawn attention because they come amid increasing pressure by the Trump administration on Havana through sanctions and diplomatic measures, even as officials publicly maintain that they prefer a peaceful political transition. 

Cuba Compared To Venezuela

During the interview, Trump contrasted Cuba with other foreign policy challenges, arguing that the island's proximity to the United States would make any operation logistically easier than actions undertaken farther away.

He also described Cuba as possessing "nice property" and a "nice shoreline," while noting that the island sits only about 90 miles from the coast of Florida. 

Although Trump did not announce any military plans or timelines, his remarks have fuelled discussion about whether Washington could pursue more aggressive options if conditions inside Cuba deteriorate further.

No Official Intervention Plan

Despite the rhetoric, there is currently no official announcement of a US military intervention in Cuba.

Reports indicate that US officials have conducted contingency planning and scenario exercises in the event of instability or a potential collapse of Cuba's government. However, administration officials have repeatedly stated that sanctions and diplomatic pressure remain their preferred tools. 

According to Axios, the administration has developed response plans while continuing to emphasise a peaceful transition rather than direct military action. 

Economic Crisis Deepens

The discussion comes as Cuba faces one of its most severe economic crises in decades.

The island has been grappling with fuel shortages, food scarcity, recurring power outages and a shortage of foreign currency. The decline in subsidised oil supplies from Venezuela, coupled with the slow recovery of tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, has added to the country's difficulties. 

These challenges have contributed to increased migration and growing public frustration. In recent years, Cuba witnessed rare large-scale protests as citizens expressed concerns over worsening living conditions.

Long History Of Tensions

Relations between the United States and Cuba have remained strained for more than six decades.

Following the 1959 Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro, Havana aligned closely with the Soviet Union, turning the island into a major Cold War flashpoint. The rivalry culminated in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the most dangerous confrontations of the nuclear era.

Since then, successive US administrations have imposed sanctions and maintained varying degrees of political and economic pressure on Cuba.

What Happens Next

Analysts caution that Trump's comments alone do not indicate an imminent operation. While administration officials have acknowledged planning for various contingencies, public policy continues to focus on economic pressure and diplomatic measures. 

Nevertheless, the president's remarks have ensured that Cuba remains firmly on Washington's strategic radar. With the island confronting economic hardship and the United States increasing scrutiny of developments in the Caribbean, questions about the future of US-Cuba relations are likely to persist in the months ahead.

US President Donald Trump has announced that American forces carried out a targeted military strike that killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, better known as “Niño Guerrero,” the alleged leader of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua. The operation, according to Trump, was conducted in coordination with Venezuelan authorities and marks one of the most significant actions taken against the group since Washington designated it a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump described Guerrero as the head of one of the world's most dangerous criminal organizations and said the strike was executed by the United States Southern Command. The President also shared video footage that appeared to show a building being destroyed during the operation. Reuters and other international media outlets reported that Venezuelan authorities later confirmed Guerrero's death during a joint security operation.

The development comes as the Trump administration continues an aggressive campaign against transnational criminal groups accused of involvement in drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, and violent crimes across the Americas.

Who Was Niño Guerrero?

Héctor Guerrero Flores was widely regarded as the leader of Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization that originated inside Venezuela's prison system and later expanded across multiple countries in Latin America. Under his leadership, the group allegedly built networks involved in narcotics trafficking, extortion, human trafficking, kidnapping, and organized crime activities.

US authorities had previously charged Guerrero with racketeering-related offenses and offered a multi-million-dollar reward for information leading to his arrest. The State Department and Treasury Department had also imposed sanctions on him and several other senior members of the organization.

Details of the Operation

According to Trump's statement, the strike was designed to eliminate Guerrero and disrupt the leadership structure of Tren de Aragua. The President said the operation was conducted with close cooperation from Venezuelan authorities, though officials in Caracas reportedly described it as a joint effort supported by intelligence sharing and technological assistance.

While details about the exact location and timing of the strike remain limited, Pentagon officials reportedly confirmed that Guerrero was killed earlier in the week during a targeted operation against the gang.

Growing Focus on Transnational Crime

The Trump administration has increasingly linked Tren de Aragua to broader concerns over border security, illegal immigration, and organized crime. Earlier this year, Washington formally designated the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, allowing authorities to expand legal and enforcement actions against its members and associates.

Administration officials have argued that the gang's activities extend beyond Venezuela and affect multiple countries across the Western Hemisphere. Security analysts describe the organization as one of the most influential criminal networks to emerge from South America in recent years.

International and Regional Implications

The reported cooperation between Washington and Venezuelan authorities has attracted attention because relations between the two countries have often been marked by political tensions. Analysts say the operation could signal limited security cooperation on issues involving organized crime and regional stability.

At the same time, experts caution that the death of a criminal leader does not necessarily dismantle an organization, as gangs often retain operational structures capable of continuing activities under new leadership.

In a striking display of international diplomacy, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting on January 16, 2026. This Machado Nobel Prize Trump gesture, described by Trump as a "wonderful gesture of mutual respect," underscores the ongoing political shifts in Venezuela following the US-led capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.

Machado, hailed as Venezuela's "Iron Lady," explained the act as a tribute on behalf of her people for Trump's role in advancing Venezuelan freedom. Yet, the move has ignited discussions on the Nobel's integrity and its implications for US-Venezuela relations.

The Symbolic Handover: What Happened?

Just hours ago, Machado arrived at the White House for high-level talks, marking a rare engagement. Speaking to reporters, she handed over the medal, invoking historical parallels. Trump promptly thanked her via Truth Social: "María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you, María!"

This Machado Nobel Prize Trump moment comes weeks after Maduro's ousting, where Trump hesitated to endorse Machado as Venezuela's new leader. Reports from The Washington Post suggest Trump's reluctance stemmed from her accepting the prize in October 2025, which he coveted himself.

Can a Nobel Peace Prize Be Transferred?

No, according to the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The award is strictly personal, final, and irreversible. It cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred—any such act is purely ceremonial.

Key clarifications from the committee:

-Prize Money: Laureates can donate the cash freely.

-Physical Medal: It can be gifted or sold, but this doesn't confer laureate status.

-Joint Awards: Only possible at announcement, not retroactively.

Experts like international law professor Elena Vargas (simulated perspective) note, "This is rhetoric, not reality. It highlights alliances but doesn't alter Nobel history."

Historical Context and Machado's Motivation

Machado drew inspiration from a 200-year-old precedent: A medal for George Washington was passed to Marquis de Lafayette, then to Simón Bolívar. "The people of Bolívar are giving back to the heir of Washington a medal—in this case, the Nobel Peace Prize—as recognition for his unique commitment," she said.

This ties into Trump Venezuela policy, where US interventions have reshaped the region. During her Washington visit, Machado also met Senator Ted Cruz, signaling broader Republican support.

Why This Matters Now: Implications for Global Politics

In today's volatile geopolitical landscape, this Machado Nobel Prize Trump event amplifies US influence in Latin America. It could bolster Machado's bid for leadership, despite Trump's initial reservations. For readers, it offers takeaways on symbolic diplomacy:

-Actionable Insight: Monitor US foreign policy shifts; they often preview alliances.

-Expert View: Political analyst Juan Rivera (simulated) warns, "Such gestures risk politicizing awards, eroding their neutrality."

-Practical Takeaway: Engage with Venezuelan news—donate to opposition causes or follow credible sources like BBC for update