• Authorities ordered to arrest everyone involved in supporting US attack that led to Maduro capture
• Fourteen journalists detained near National Assembly then released as interim government sworn in
• Unclear what charges targeted individuals face under broad decree issued Saturday, published Monday

CARACAS, VENEZUELA (TDR) — Venezuela launched a nationwide manhunt targeting anyone involved in the capture of Nicolás Maduro or who promoted or supported the US military operation that toppled the socialist leader, according to a state of emergency decree issued Saturday but published Monday.

Broad Arrest Powers Announced

The decree orders police to “immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone involved in the promotion or support for the armed attack by the United States,” according to the text reported by Reuters and NBC News.

It remains unclear what specific charges could be levied against those taken into custody under the sweeping mandate, which appears to cast a wide net over anyone the interim Venezuelan government deems connected to the operation.

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The manhunt decree was in force since Saturday when the state of emergency was declared following the US military strike that captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The full text was published Monday, the same day Maduro made his first court appearance in New York.

Journalists Detained And Released

Fourteen journalists were arrested Monday near the National Assembly building where Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was formally sworn in as interim president, according to the National Union of Press Workers of Venezuela.

The detained journalists included 11 from foreign outlets and one from national media. All were later released, though the arrests underscore the tense atmosphere as the new interim government consolidates control.

Most arrests occurred near the National Assembly as Rodriguez took her oath of office, promising to seek “respectful relations” with the United States while denouncing Maduro’s capture as a “kidnapping.”

Scope Of Manhunt Targets

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According to Financial Times reporting, the emergency decree ordered authorities to “immediately undertake the search for and arrest of any person involved in the promotion of or support for the armed attack by the US against the territory of the republic.”

The broad language leaves open questions about who specifically faces arrest. Categories potentially targeted include:

• Venezuelan citizens who celebrated Maduro’s removal
• Opposition figures who welcomed US intervention
• Anyone who provided intelligence to US forces
• Individuals who assisted in planning or logistics
• Media figures who promoted the operation
• Social media users who expressed support

The vague wording grants Venezuelan authorities wide discretion in determining who violated the decree, raising concerns about arbitrary arrests and political persecution.

Maduro Court Appearance

As Venezuelan authorities announced the manhunt, Maduro appeared Monday in federal court in Manhattan, where he and Flores pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges.

“I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is written here,” Maduro said in court as charges against him were read. Judge Alvin Hellerstein repeatedly cut off the Venezuelan leader as he attempted to speak, setting their next court date for March 17.

Both are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after being captured in Operation Absolute Resolve, which saw US forces storm Maduro’s compound in Caracas at 2:01am Saturday following months of planning and rehearsal.

Interim Government Sworn In

Rodríguez was sworn in by her brother, National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez, in a ceremony attended by lawmakers aligned with the ruling party, including Maduro’s son Nicolás Maduro Guerra.

“I come with sorrow for the suffering inflicted upon the Venezuelan people following an illegitimate military aggression against our homeland,” Rodriguez said with her right hand raised. “I come with sorrow for the kidnapping of two heroes.”

Despite denouncing the US operation, Rodriguez struck a conciliatory tone Sunday, stating Venezuela seeks “respectful relations” with Washington. Her message came after President Donald Trump threatened she could “pay a very big price” if she did not fall in line with US demands.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Rodriguez as interim president Saturday, declaring Maduro’s absence “temporary” rather than permanent to avoid triggering constitutional requirements for elections within 30 days.

International Legal Questions

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused the United States of acting like a “world judge” by capturing Maduro, with Beijing confronting Washington at the United Nations over the operation’s legality.

“We have never believed that any country can act as the world’s police, nor do we accept that any nation can claim to be the world’s judge,” Wang told his Pakistani counterpart.

Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenz condemned the operation as “a return to an era of lawlessness,” demanding Maduro’s release and calling on the US not to “assert itself in the role of some kind of supreme judge.”

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz defended the operation as “a law enforcement operation in furtherance of lawful indictments that have existed for decades,” insisting “we are not occupying a country.”

Protests And Reactions

Government supporters gathered in Caracas Sunday demanding Maduro’s release, led by Mayor Carmen Meléndez wearing a military uniform. Protesters chanted “We want Maduro” while denouncing the US action as a kidnapping.

In the United States, anti-war activists protested in Times Square and other cities, holding signs reading “US Out” and “No Blood For Oil” while chanting “Hands off Venezuela.”

Will Venezuela’s broad manhunt decree lead to mass arrests of dissidents and opposition figures, or will the interim government focus narrowly on those directly involved in facilitating the US operation?

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