ABC News Daily Is Trump’s capture of Venezuela's president legal?
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Jan 5, 2026 Join Venezuelan journalist Tony Frangie Mawad, who shares firsthand accounts from Caracas about the mixed public reactions to Nicolás Maduro's dramatic capture. He details the complex emotions of hope and fear among residents facing uncertainty. Legal expert Professor Ben Saul discusses the implications of the US military operation, arguing it violates international law. He warns of the dangers of setting precedents that could undermine global order, drawing parallels with past interventions driven by resource interests.
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Chaos And Uncertainty After The Raids
- Tony Frangie Mawad describes waking to messages and videos of helicopters and explosions over Caracas after US strikes.
- He recounts people queuing for water and food amid initial cheers that turned into deep uncertainty.
Relief Quickly Gave Way To Fear
- Mawad says initial excitement at Maduro's removal quickly mixed with fear because military and regime structures remained intact.
- He warns many Venezuelans feared entrenchment of authoritarianism despite diaspora celebrations.
Opposition Leaders Dispersed Or Exiled
- Mawad notes the opposition's leadership is mostly exiled, imprisoned, or hiding after contested 2024 elections.
- He details that Edmundo Gonzalez is in Madrid and Maria Corina Machado left for Oslo after hiding, limiting opposition leverage.