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The Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia called on Venezuelans this Saturday to remain vigilant, asserting that “these are decisive hours.”
In a post on platform X, it was stated that they are “ready for the great operation of the reconstruction of our nation,” in a message publicly disseminated and shared by media and networks.
González's statement comes in the context of a communication issued on January 3, 2026, by opposition leader María Corina Machado, addressed "to the people of Venezuela," in which she asserted that "the time for freedom has come" and urged citizens to remain organized and active in what she described as a democratic transition process.
In his text, Machado stated that Nicolás Maduro is facing international justice for “atrocious crimes” and that, in light of his refusal to accept a “negotiated exit,” the government of the United States would have fulfilled its promise to “uphold the law.”
He also suggested that it is time for Popular Sovereignty and National Sovereignty to prevail, and called for the release of political prisoners, the reestablishment of order, and the construction of “an exceptional country.”
Machado recognized Edmundo González Urrutia as the “legitimate president” of Venezuela and stated that he must assume his constitutional mandate and be recognized as Commander in Chief of the National Armed Forces.
The opposition leader urged Venezuelans within Venezuela to stay prepared for actions that, as she indicated, will be communicated "very soon" through official channels.
To Venezuelans abroad, he urged mobilization to activate governments and citizens around the world and engage them in the "great operation" of building a "new Venezuela."
Machado concluded his message with a call for national unity and to remain “alert and in contact” during these “decisive hours.”
The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, stated this Saturday that U.S. forces captured the Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as part of a large-scale military operation against the chavista regime.
In a message posted on his official social media account, Trump stated that "Nicolás Maduro, along with his wife, has been captured and taken out of the country."
The president added that the action was carried out in coordination with U.S. security agencies and announced a press conference at 11:00 a.m. at Mar-a-Lago, where he will provide more details about the operation.
According to reports on social media and regional media, intense bombings and explosions were recorded at several military installations and strategic points in Venezuela during the early hours of Saturday.
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