News 06 Jan, 2026 Venezuela - Latest update Tony Paulson Head of Asia & Corporate Director We are grateful to our local correspondents Globalpandi in Venezuela who have provided an update on the current situation in Venezuela which is available here . And also to our local correspondents Venepandi who have provided the following; Download PDF As widely reported, on January 3, 2026, the United States conducted an aerial operation in Caracas aimed at the removal of Nicolás Maduro. The operation was brief (approximately 3 hours) and resulted in the capture and extraction of both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both individuals are currently in New York facing judicial proceedings. Following the power vacuum, the appointed Vice President has assumed the interim presidency. Furthermore, President Trump stated yesterday that Venezuela is currently under U.S. administration and that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is following direct orders from the U.S. government during this transitional period. Port Monitoring and Logistics Air Connectivity: Although some airlines have announced the resumption of flights, the latest official U.S. communiqué maintains February 2 as the scheduled date for the reopening of the airspace. Military Presence: Despite the White House discourse, there has been no observed landing or deployment of U.S. military personnel on Venezuelan soil. Ports and Navigation: National ports have been reassigned to Security Level 1 (ISPS). Non-sanctioned vessels are permitted to enter and depart; however, they remain subject to high-seas documentation reviews by international authorities. Also, we have learned that vessels currently undergoing loading operations are facing significant delays, as the Venezuelan maritime authority is not processing the mandatory inspections required for the harbor masters to grant sailing clearances. Commercial Operations: PDVSA has suspended all product purchase and sale operations. Regarding raw materials such as iron ore