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President and wife are captured and flown out of the country, reported by Reuters
Trump just posted on social media saying they have 'captured ' Maduro and his wife and flown them out of Venezuela
Let's hope that's the end of it and it doesnt descend into some awful civil war
Trump just posted on social media saying they have 'captured ' Maduro and his wife and flown them out of Venezuela
He's just ****ed the entire world, hasn't he? Jesus Christ how do we stand up and stop his madness?
my Brother in Law is quite senior in the navy, he was staying here for part of xmas, but constantly on the phone and quite stressed.
the Americans were asking for help refueling of their ships, but the navy/ government lawyers didn't want us to as the Americans actions were likely illegal.
Does this mean Trump still gets the nobel peace prize?
This would legitimately make Trump a war criminal, no?
no more or less than any of the others
Philips O'Brien has an excellent summary of what might happen next
war with Cuba anyone?
The only difference between Venezuela and the many despotic regimes supported by the US (and either directly or by proxy the EU and UK) is that Venezuela is purportedly left wing.
The US recently stated their official aim of regime change in Europe. Whether this descends into further bloodshed on the streets of Venezuela or not, lines need to be drawn to bring an end to this far right fascist regime and its stated aim of exporting their oligarchy backed fascism to the world.
these are transports, so flying in special forces most likely.
I saw footage on the BBC of a helicopter firing on targets
these are transports, so flying in special forces most likely.
I saw footage on the BBC of a helicopter firing on targets
So it's now open season for any tinpot dictator that wants to destabilize a neighbouring country to just go in, guns blazing, and do whatever they like. If it's OK for the US it's OK for them.
I'd be a bit anxious if I lived in Taiwan. North Korea has blown up aircraft and attempted to assassinate the South Korean president in the past - now that's perfectly OK. Could Spain annexe Gibraltar? I assume that Greenland is back on the table now.
Its bonkers - in less than 12 mths USA has transformed into what it has now.
The reality is that this will have given China the greenlight on Taiwan, and European countries and Greenland know they are firmly in Trump and the USAs gunsights too.
UK and Europe need to pull their fingers out double quick to protect themselves.
As ever the big question will be what comes after the regime change;
a peaceful transition to democracy, a brutal power struggle, a puppet regime installed by USA ? those 30,000 Cuban operatives in Venezuela won't let all that oil be diverted to the USA
The problem with compulsive liars is you can't take anything they say at face value, theres no point trying to make sense of it.
Its bonkers - in less than 12 mths USA has transformed into what it has now.
This change has been progressing for 40 years, it has accelerated since the 2008 economic crash years and really gathered pace over the past 12 months.
There are a couple of interesting documentaries, I think one was by the BBC called something like "the city boys" which revealed the takeover of UK politics by finance in the late 70's, there was another about the the aftermath of Nixon and the direction the GOP took to bring racism and hate to the forefront of its political campaigning. That led to the Regan/Thatcher era which has ushered in what we have now.
And while bitter lake was mainly about the middle east it also reveals some of the background.
Its bonkers - in less than 12 mths USA has transformed into what it has now.
is this really much different from the ****eries the US has been upto in Central / South America* in the past 100 years? They destabilised / invaded / regime changed a few different places. Maybe they did a bit more work preparing the PR / getting congressional approval in the other examples?
* actually the world really.
Maybe the "America Bad" geopolitical take is back 😂
Anyone heard from the Venezuelan 2025 Nobel Prize Winner who said nice things about Trump? Is she to be head of the new puppet government? These peace prizes don't seem to mean anything...
I bet Trump actually believes he's ended eight wars, as he claims, so he thinks he can start a couple and still be in credit.
GB news now reporting that Farage, of all people, condemns US actions as 'contrary to international law'
I genuinely didn't see that one coming
GB news now reporting that Farage, of all people, condemns US actions as 'contrary to international law'
Meanwhile Starmer ... ?
Starmer hasn't been told what his opinion is yet.
thrres more to farages statement than gbnews said, obviously
its more like a justification of trump's actions (its a justification that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever - if anything this empowers Putin to take whatever countries he likes, likewise china with Taiwan)
https://bsky.app/profile/rolandmcs.bsky.social/post/3mbjax6yjck2q
GB news now reporting that Farage, of all people, condemns US actions as 'contrary to international law'
He didn't condemn it just said it was 'contrary to international law'. He's probably OK with that.
thrres more to farages statement than gbnews said, obviously
Fair point, they're now using the full quote
The UK has been withholding intelligence in the Caribbean since October (I think) because of the USA’s previous actions against Venezuela. And held up to pressure to cooperate since. This is very much the USA standing alone on this, and won’t be welcomed by anyone in the UK (ignoring Farage and his love of strong men hitting out that is).
Nigel is unfortunately caught between two stools, and I mean that in the medical sense. I wonder which of his paymasters will prove to be the lesser of two evils?
It's very clear now that Trump is off his leash and the USA are content to stand back and watch him .. I'm still unsure if this makes the USA or it's former allies weaker and more vulnerable.
One thing I am sure about is every NATO member and former USA ally are reverse engineering every top spec US military kit to start making themselves. Trust in the USA has gone forever.
Just when you think he couldn't get worse! The world is becoming very very dangerous
The US has a very long history of regime change, this doesn't seem too far out of their normal behavior to me.
These aren't statements, but are questions.
Is this better or worse than our very active involvement in Libya?
Taken in isolation from concurrent events is this really all that different to Panama (Bush) and Grenada (Reagan)?
Is this better or worse than our very active involvement in Libya?
as with Libya (or elsewhere) if the removal of a brutal dictator leads to a stable open democracy following a peaceful transition of power then hooray
history has shown us thats just wishful thinking
which isnt to say that its good, just that its not exactly unheard of behaviour
Fwiw, our government has done well to make sure we have not been actively complicit in the US' illegal actions.
I imagine Starmer is checking with the rest of Europe and NATO exactly how to respond. Which is frustrating but probably wise.
I imagine Canada and Greenland are feeling slightly nervous this morning.
Wonder if Donny J has any plans to arrest the Russian mass murderer?
I imagine Starmer is checking with the rest of Europe and NATO exactly how to respond. Which is frustrating but probably wise.
Sounds more like he is asking Trump how he should respond.
Sir Keir said he had not yet spoken to US President Donald Trump about the US operation to seize President Nicolas Maduro in the country's capital, Caracas.
Asked if he condemned the US action, as a number of other UK politicians have, he told reporters he wanted to "establish facts" and speak to Trump first about the "fast moving situation".
Or Nicaragua or Cuba or almost every south american country they have interfered in
It would be a very long post to list them all
Maduro and his wife now charged with drug trafficking/ narco terrorism, around a month after Trump pardoned the former president of Honduras who was serving 45 years for importing over 400 tonnes of cocaine into America. Vance has already mentioned the 'stolen oil' that this whole episode is really about in his 1st comments and no doubt in the near future Venezuela will be declared safe enough to deport every Venezuelan currently the US
So, if Starmer was to loudly condem Trump's actions in Venezuela they'd be no consequences from this bitter, vengeful man? I think there would be.
Well, I guess this is anticipated considering the recent deployment of the carrier fleet to the region.
The kidnapping the Venezuelan President is not a surprise but a matter of time, since the US admin has double down on the drug trafficking activities.
Problem with entire Latin America is that they are unfortunate to have a super power as a neighbour that wants to exert their dominance over them. No amount of peace or negotiation can come to Latin America when dealing with such super power.
In fact the entire Western hemisphere and Latin America are under the dominion of US admin, whether they like it or not.
On the other hand, most Latin Americans' govts do not help themselves by having poor administrations themselves. i.e. rich with natural resources but poorly managed.
Until such time as the population (Latin America) wake up to take pride in improving their own administration, they will always be vulnerable to regime change and dominance by their neighbouring super power.
The US admin is currently consolidating their power in preparation with the big confrontation with the East. They (US) need all the resources etc in place before the confronting the East. i.e. they are also cutting off the supply chain (resources) to the East.
The US admin is not really concerned about lesser power (UK/EU etc) but remain focus on China, and they (US admin) are in the process of dismantling all the "pillars" that have a good relationship with the East (Russia and China). It is a systematic process with a strategic intent. Very good plan with no head on confrontation but going for the soft belly.
It looks like the world has started 2026 with a "bang" and they will be plenty more to come.
Vance has already mentioned the 'stolen oil' that this whole episode is really about in his 1st comments and no doubt in the near future Venezuela will be declared safe enough to deport every Venezuelan currently the US
That "stolen oil" is actually "true" (based on my understanding) because the Venezuelan govt of that time (during the change of admin) broke the rules with the US oil company. That's like stealing US oil interest and as history taught us, it would give the other party a good excuse to exert power over the rule breaker.
So, if Starmer was to loudly condem Trump's actions in Venezuela they'd be no consequences from this bitter, vengeful man? I think there would be.
There are consequences not to, I would rather face the consequences of resisting fascism than serving under its boot.
looks like chewkw has started 2026 with a "bang" of his usual rubbish
So, if Starmer was to loudly condem Trump's actions in Venezuela they'd be no consequences from this bitter, vengeful man? I think there would be.
None of the NATO/UK/EU/G7 etc would dare to voice their concerns. They don't have any cards against a superpower. Not economically or militarily. They are forever "enslaved" by the superpower (US) and to "serve" only.
There are consequences not to, I would rather face the consequences of resisting fascism than serving under its boot.
Trump needs to "balance the book" (show economic growth etc) and any negative influence or objection to his plan will face some consequences, hence most Western leaders just keep their head down.
So, if Starmer was to loudly condem Trump's actions in Venezuela they'd be no consequences from this bitter, vengeful man? I think there would be.
There are consequences not to, I would rather face the consequences of resisting fascism than serving under its boot.
As would I, but far better to take the time to face the consequences with like minded allies.
If we don't see a proper response from Starmer then my Labour MP is going to get a strongly worded email
Edit to add: real shame the Admiral with a spine got forced out if his command
On the other hand, most Latin Americans' govts do not help themselves by having poor administrations themselves. i.e. rich with natural resources but poorly managed.
If they managed themselves like Switzerland they would still be vulnerable to invasion by the US and/or its puppets.
That "stolen oil" is actually "true" (based on my understanding) because the Venezuelan govt of that time (during the change of admin) broke the rules with the US oil company
Sorry to just repost ChatGPT, but it's too much bother to type it all out myself. In my personal experience Nigeria and Russia have played similar games.
Short answer: there is no established fact that Venezuela “stole” oil, but the claim usually refers to oil nationalisation and contract disputes, which some governments and companies describe as theft.
Here’s the clear context:
What actually happened
Venezuela nationalised its oil industry, most decisively under Hugo Chávez (2000s), bringing oil projects under state control via PDVSA.
Foreign oil companies were required to renegotiate contracts, accept minority stakes, or leave.
Some companies refused the new terms and withdrew or were expropriated, often with disputed compensation.
Why people say “stole”
Companies and some governments (especially the US and allies) argue that:
Compensation was insufficient or unpaid
Assets were taken without fair market value
Several firms filed international arbitration claims. Venezuela lost some cases and won others.
Why others reject the claim
Under international law, states have the right to nationalise natural resources, provided compensation is offered.
Supporters argue Venezuela:
Acted within its sovereign rights
Was reclaiming control from companies that had benefited disproportionately
Many countries (including Norway, Mexico, Saudi Arabia historically) have done similar nationalisations.
Current situation
Venezuela’s oil production collapsed mainly due to:
Mismanagement and corruption
Loss of technical expertise
US sanctions restricting exports, finance, and equipment
Ongoing disputes over seized assets (e.g. Citgo) remain tied up in courts.
Bottom line
No neutral legal authority has ruled that Venezuela “stole” oil as a blanket fact.
What happened is best described as contested nationalisation, not theft — though some expropriations were legally and financially messy.
Asked if he condemned the US action, as a number of other UK politicians have, he told reporters he wanted to "establish facts" and speak to Trump first about the "fast moving situation".
Reminiscent of "they do have that right" to cut off supplies to Gaza.
Sorry to just repost ChatGPT, but it's too much bother to type it all out myself. In my personal experience Nigeria and Russia have played similar games.
My understanding is that, regardless of a change of govt, the contractual terms must or should be fulfilled (compensation etc) and failing to do so will result is further claim against the breach of contractual terms. What is worst in this case is that the claimant is US company and the compensation (if I can recall) was not even paid, let alone the sum to be agreed on. As a result, it paved the way for further claim against the Venezuelan admin. Not theft but could be perceived as so by US admin. (note: Venezuelan oil reserve is also much more attractive and closer to home)
Just when i thought I'd stop drinking.....
I think everyone agrees this is going to have some serious consequences which will probably become a clearer within the next month or so.
I read that a Chinese delegation had recently arrived in Caracas to sign some deals with Madura .. apparently they are missing and feared killed .. China won't be happy if so; probably explain why they haven't responded yet.
I think everyone agrees this is going to have some serious consequences which will probably become a clearer within the next month or so.
I read that a Chinese delegation had recently arrived in Caracas to sign some deals with Madura .. apparently they are missing and feared killed .. China won't be happy if so; probably explain why they haven't responded yet.
Trump will be visiting China in April 2026. Hopefully, no Chinese delegates were harmed.
Donald Trump said the US would run Venezuela after capturing Nicolas Maduro in a helicopter raid on the capital.
“We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” he told a press conference in Mar-a-Lago.
He said oil companies would be sent in to “fix” the infrastructure “and start making money”.
Mr Trump warned that a second wave of attacks on Venezuela could take place “if we need to do so”.
He described the attack in the early hours of the morning as a “spectacular assault” by the “most fearsome military on the planet”.
[ from the Telegraph live feed to Apple News+ @ 5pm ]
So the US is going to steal the oil, it's not just heading to fascism, its a criminal enterprise to boot, the boost to the economy will probably save him in the midterms and give him more time to end democracy in the US before the voters realise that they aren't getting the benefits and its too late.
He really is modelling the US on Putin's Russia, only the US are far more dangerous.
So, what part of the land/sea, that this oil that is extracted from, belongs to US - Zero ?
Crikey.
Anyone like to bet that Trump and co haven't recently made large investments in US oil companies?
This is just the latest in a long list of US (and European for that matter) interference and regime change in Central and Latin America, simply because the countries wish to control their own resources doesn't chime well with the capitalist controllers of US governments.
Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano has some good insites into the what and why of what is currently happening with Venezuela.
I also suspect Starmers tongue is stained brown from a day of arse-licking to the orange man baby.
the boost to the economy will probably save him in the midterms
It would likely take a good year or two at least to have the stolen Venezuelan oil start trickling into the US economy. Apparently it will need huge investment to get it up and running again. The concern of course is it could be there before the next presidential elections.
Taking a step back - I think its inevitable that Trump and his team of like minded idiots will soon make another mess somewhere, and whatever success they have had will be overlooked. Like the Iran nuclear facility bombing - its looked a success only for a very short time.
It would likely take a good year or two at least to have the stolen Venezuelan oil start trickling into the US economy.
It will take some time for the oil to start flowing (although there is clearly already oil on tap, there is just quite a lot of scope to ramp up production) but I would expect the oil companies and engineering companies stocks to rise on the prospect quite quickly. That will give the appearance of boosting the economy in the media before reality sets in that the real profits are only going to the billionaires.
I would also expect much of the costs to be born by the taxpayer, while the profits are of course privatised, as is the neoliberal way.
Trump is a fan of the idea that you don't need to hold elections if there's a war on - this may be an alternative solution to his midterms issue.
The question will be whether Maduro was so unpopular at home that the Venezuelans welcome the US control.
Trump is a fan of the idea that you don't need to hold elections if there's a war on
Unless you are Ukraine.
Well if anyone was wondering if the US War machine would do what Trump asks, well now you know 🙁
The question will be whether Maduro was so unpopular at home that the Venezuelans welcome the US control
The bigger question is all the criminals, drug lords etc that were also making money in/with Venezuela. Are they going to quietly go into the night?
Easy to start things - see any war started in the middle east in the last 50 years - more difficult to exit. People (Venezuela) do not always give in easily to a bully - see Ukraine for details - and its very easy as the "foreign" power to become the common enemy - see Russia for details and the reaction of the Finns, Poles, Balts and Swedes.
Anyone heard from the Venezuelan 2025 Nobel Prize Winner who said nice things about Trump? Is she to be head of the new puppet government? These peace prizes don't seem to mean anything...
funnily enough trump seems to be snubbing her, its almost as if theres no way his ego would let the woman that stole his much deserved nobel peace prize ,😉 run his new puppet state
Asked if he had spoken to Machado, who last month was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight for democracy in Venezuela, he said "no".
Trump then added that Machado "doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country" he said was needed to run Venezuela.
<reads Starmer response, wanders off shaking head>
It's not whether or not Maduro is bad man, it's whether any state has the right to extradite using a hail of missiles.
Grow a spine, ffs.
So, who’s next? I think we can safely assume proximity is what Trump prioritises most now when it comes to the USA spreading its influence by force, so it’s most likely to be a neighbour. Panama has to be the most likely. Greenland will be offered a bribe before they are forced, I think.
<reads Starmer response, wanders off shaking head>
TBH what else could he say ?
'We wholly condemn tthe United States for this illegal use of military to invade a sovereign nation etc etc blah blah'
Play that one out.
How would Trump and his cabinet of nasty fkrs then react ? Massive tariffs ? a block on exports/imports ?. Loss of intel etc
I am more than sure had he done that and h economic fallout severely damaging our economy, people would be super critical, shouting 'What was he thinking ???'
^Yep.^
<reads Starmer response, wanders off shaking head>
TBH what else could he say ?
'We wholly condemn tthe United States for this illegal use of military to invade a sovereign nation etc etc blah blah'
Play that one out.
How would Trump and his cabinet of nasty fkrs then react ? Massive tariffs ? a block on exports/imports ?. Loss of intel etc
I am more than sure had he done that and h economic fallout severely damaging our economy, people would be super critical, shouting 'What was he thinking ???'
I guess this is what happens when an 'ally' goes rogue. Puts everyone in an impossible position.
The USA is Begbie.
Play that one out.
How would Trump and his cabinet of nasty fkrs then react ? Massive tariffs ? a block on exports/imports ?. Loss of intel etc
Maybe, I imagine intelligence sharing is already not happening. At some point you have to stop tongueing his arse and tell the truth, though.
looks like chewkw has started 2026 with a "bang" of his usual rubbish
I think on this occasion you are being a little unfair to chewkw. Of course Trump wants to get his hands on the largest oil reserve in the world and of course he wants to prevent China getting hold of it first. Whether he is planning on "confronting the East" is a separate issue though.
I think I might start snorting speed just as a distraction.
At some point you have to stop tongueing his arse and tell the truth, though.
Then it's a question of timing - and whilst the UK are dangerously reliant on the USA, it's suicide to speak out against the bully .. Trump may bomb London and kidnap Starmer. Pretty sure there would be lots in UK cheering that invasion too.
Once again. Who will be the long-term winners?
Less trust of the USA. More allies forging alliances outside of the USA and looking for domestic or non USA manufacturing for critical infrastructure and defences.
Probably my biased view, but I see USA as the long-term loser and China as again using it to further their own stealth agenda.