Venezuela Coup: Caracas Fire, Blackout, and Russian Jets
Shootings, blackout, and Russian jets in Caracas after Maduro's arrest. Analysis of the coup attempt against Delcy Rodríguez and international reactions.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Venezuela: coup attempt leaves Caracas under fire and blackouts
In the early hours of January 6, 2026, Caracas became a powder keg. Dozens of shots, a widespread blackout, and the takeoff of Russian-made fighter jets from the Venezuelan Air Force marked what many consider an attempted coup against interim President Delcy Rodríguez, hours after Nicolás Maduro was detained by US forces.
The events: shootings, blackout, and jets in the air
According to social media reports, the shootings concentrated in key areas like the Miraflores Palace and near the airport. A massive power cut plunged the capital into darkness, while at least two Russian Su-30 fighter jets took off for Caracas, causing panic among the population. Witnesses spoke of drones flying over the city, though without official confirmation.
Two readings of the crisis
One current of analysis argues that the coup is a direct US operation to secure control of Venezuelan oil, using Delcy Rodríguez as a front. Maduro's detention would pave the way for a government friendly to Washington, but the harder sectors of Chavismo—loyal to the former president—had rebelled, unleashing violence.
The other interpretation points to an internal struggle within Chavismo. Delcy Rodríguez, considered a collaborator by hardline military factions, would have been rejected by sectors that see her rise as a betrayal. The chaos of the night would be an armed response from these sectors, who are unwilling to cede power or negotiate with the empire.
International reaction: China demands Maduro's release
China was the first country to react. In a statement issued on January 6, its ambassador in Colombia urged the United States to immediately release Nicolás Maduro and his vvife, calling the intervention a abusa of international law. However, analysts note that the tone of the message—firm but without concrete threats—suggests that Beijing is unwilling to escalate the conflict, leaving Washington free hand in the region.
What comes next?
In Caracas, the silence of the weapons is only apparent. Forces loyal to Delcy Rodríguez have not managed to consolidate control, and rumors of a military counteroffensive sweep through the neighborhoods. The question that no one answers yet is whether this is the beginning of the end of Chavismo or the prelude to a prolonged civil war, where external actors—Russia, China, and the US—play their cards on the Venezuelan board.
Related debates in the forum
In the early hours of January 6, 2026, Caracas became a powder keg. Dozens of shots, a widespread blackout, and the takeoff of Russian-made fighter jets from the Venezuelan Air Force marked what many consider an attempted coup against interim President Delcy Rodríguez, hours after Nicolás Maduro was detained by US forces.
The events: shootings, blackout, and jets in the air
According to social media reports, the shootings concentrated in key areas like the Miraflores Palace and near the airport. A massive power cut plunged the capital into darkness, while at least two Russian Su-30 fighter jets took off for Caracas, causing panic among the population. Witnesses spoke of drones flying over the city, though without official confirmation.
Two readings of the crisis
One current of analysis argues that the coup is a direct US operation to secure control of Venezuelan oil, using Delcy Rodríguez as a front. Maduro's detention would pave the way for a government friendly to Washington, but the harder sectors of Chavismo—loyal to the former president—had rebelled, unleashing violence.
The other interpretation points to an internal struggle within Chavismo. Delcy Rodríguez, considered a collaborator by hardline military factions, would have been rejected by sectors that see her rise as a betrayal. The chaos of the night would be an armed response from these sectors, who are unwilling to cede power or negotiate with the empire.
International reaction: China demands Maduro's release
China was the first country to react. In a statement issued on January 6, its ambassador in Colombia urged the United States to immediately release Nicolás Maduro and his vvife, calling the intervention a abusa of international law. However, analysts note that the tone of the message—firm but without concrete threats—suggests that Beijing is unwilling to escalate the conflict, leaving Washington free hand in the region.
What comes next?
In Caracas, the silence of the weapons is only apparent. Forces loyal to Delcy Rodríguez have not managed to consolidate control, and rumors of a military counteroffensive sweep through the neighborhoods. The question that no one answers yet is whether this is the beginning of the end of Chavismo or the prelude to a prolonged civil war, where external actors—Russia, China, and the US—play their cards on the Venezuelan board.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (300 replies).
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