Venezuelan officials informed family members outside prisons and detention centers that visits, calls, and parcel deliveries are suspended as a result of the U.S. military action capturing Nicolás Maduro, according to an X post by CronicaUno between 4:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. UTC on Jan. 5, 2026. Drivers in Caracas reported warnings of a checkpoint with alleged groups in Cota Mil checking vehicles and cell phones of passersby during the same 29-minute period, as stated by eldiario on X, citing @hsiciliano. In Venezuela's National Assembly, Nicolás Maduro's former deputy David Alejandro Escalona entered the chamber at 11:49 a.m. local time, denying speculation of his death, per an X post by ReporteYa. U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman stated on X that President Donald Trump consulted oil executives before the Venezuela operation, quoting Trump as saying they were notified before and after, and asserted Congress holds sole power to declare war. A European commentator on X described a dilemma for Europe, noting calls for international law adherence while facing a U.S. ally's violation amid the Maduro operation.
