Crowds gathered in Venezuela on Saturday to simultaneously celebrate the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and protest against the U.S. military operation that led to his capture.
CNN has published several photographs capturing the gatherings as they unfolded.
Venezuelan citizens celebrated during a rally in Cúcuta, along the Colombia–Venezuela border, following confirmation of Nicolás Maduro’s capture on Saturday, January 3, 2026. (Jair F. Coll/Getty Images)
A woman cries while celebrating in Medellín, Colombia, on January 3, 2026, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. (Jaime Saldarriaga/AFP/Getty Images)
Government supporters tear apart an American flag during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had captured President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. (Ariana Cubillos/AP)
Venezuelan citizens jump and cheer during a rally along the Colombia–Venezuela border following confirmation of Nicolás Maduro’s capture in Cúcuta, Colombia, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. (Jair F. Coll/Getty Images)
Government supporters gather in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had captured President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. (Matias Delacroix/AP)
