Venezuela’s interim leadership has warned that recent US military action against Caracas could set a dangerous precedent for the global order, a day after President Donald Trump claimed American forces captured leftist leader Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country.

The warning came even as interim President Delcy Rodriguez called for a “balanced and respectful” relationship with the United States following the attack and Maduro’s detention.

Trump warns of bigger price, keeps second strike option open

US President Donald Trump said Rodriguez could face consequences “probably bigger than Maduro” if she does not cooperate with Washington. He noted that while the US was prepared for a second wave of military action, it may not be necessary if the interim leadership complies.

Trump said elections would be held “at the right time” and reiterated that the US expects full access to Venezuela’s oil and natural resources. He also defended the decision to remove Maduro by force, saying regime change would be an improvement over the existing situation.

Wider intervention remarks raise concerns

During the interview, Trump suggested that American intervention was not limited to Venezuela. He said the US “absolutely” needs Greenland and claimed Cuba was close to collapse due to its dependence on subsidised Venezuelan oil.

He also issued sharp remarks about Colombia and Mexico, warning of potential action if they failed to “get their act together,” and suggested that another strike on Venezuela could follow if expectations were not met.

Venezuela calls for cooperation, warns of global threat

Despite the strong rhetoric from Washington, Rodriguez said Venezuela was open to cooperation. In a message posted on Telegram, she said the country prioritises a relationship with the US based on balance, respect and shared development.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez warned that US action against Venezuela poses a serious threat to international stability. He said if Venezuela could be targeted today, “tomorrow it could be against any state or any country.”

Calling on citizens to remain calm, he urged people to resume normal economic, labour and educational activities, warning against falling into fear or psychological pressure. Lopez also demanded the immediate release of Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores, asserting that Venezuela’s military leadership remains united in what it described as resistance to imperial aggression.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured by American forces and flown out of the country, following what he described as a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela.

The claim marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas and, if confirmed, would represent the most direct US military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.

Venezuela demands proof of life

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez appeared on state television saying the government does not know the whereabouts of President Maduro and the first lady. She demanded immediate proof that both are alive.

“We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores,” Rodriguez said, adding that Venezuela would hold the United States responsible for their safety.

Explosions reported across Caracas and nearby states

Hours before Trump’s announcement, multiple explosions were heard in and around Caracas at around 2 am local time on Saturday. Videos circulating on social media showed several buildings on fire, with thick smoke rising over parts of the capital.

A power outage was also reported in southern Caracas, close to a major military base. According to an official statement, attacks were also reported in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.

Venezuela rejects US military action

The Venezuelan government condemned what it described as “military aggression” by the United States and declared a national emergency.

In a statement, the government said it “rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression” carried out against Venezuelan territory and its people.

US involvement confirmed by officials

Media reports cited unnamed US officials confirming that American forces were behind the strikes on Caracas. Trump later said the operation was successful but did not provide further details on the location or condition of Maduro and his wife.

For weeks, Trump had publicly threatened ground strikes against what he described as drug cartels operating in Venezuela. He had also ordered a major naval and aerial deployment in the Caribbean, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and several warships.

Background of rising tensions

Since September, US forces have carried out repeated strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, targeting vessels Washington says are linked to drug smuggling. More than 100 people have reportedly been killed in these operations. US authorities have also seized two oil tankers at sea as part of an oil blockade on Venezuela.

Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has warned that his “days are numbered”. The Venezuelan leader has denied the allegations, saying the US is attempting to overthrow his government because the country holds the world’s largest known oil reserves.

Several people were killed and many others injured after a powerful explosion tore through a crowded bar in Switzerland’s luxury ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations, police said on Thursday.

The blast occurred at around 1.30 am local time at a popular tourist bar where more than 100 people had gathered to welcome the New Year. Emergency services rushed to the scene as flames engulfed parts of the establishment following the explosion.

Police officials said the cause of the blast remains unknown and investigations are at an early stage. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties, but acknowledged that there were multiple fatalities and injuries.

According to police, most of those affected are believed to be tourists visiting the internationally known Alpine resort for the holiday season. The bar was reportedly full at the time of the explosion, adding to the scale of the tragedy.

Unverified images and videos circulating on social media showed a fire burning inside the bar, which had been hosting New Year’s Eve celebrations. Firefighters, police units, and several rescue helicopters were deployed as part of the emergency response.

A security cordon has been placed around the area, and authorities imposed a temporary no-fly zone over Crans-Montana to allow rescue operations to continue unhindered. A dedicated hotline has also been set up for families and relatives seeking information about those affected.

While local media reports have suggested a high death toll, police have urged caution and said official figures will be released only after confirmation. Some reports speculated that fireworks used during a concert may have sparked the fire, but authorities stressed that no cause has been established so far.

Crans-Montana, located in the Valais region of southwestern Switzerland, is a well-known luxury ski destination attracting international tourists, particularly during the winter season. The resort is also scheduled to host a major international skiing event later this month.