Overview
- National Assembly chief Jorge Rodríguez said a significant number of political prisoners will be freed as a unilateral gesture of peace.
- A detained police officer, Edison José Torres Fernández, died in state custody; the Public Ministry cited a cerebrovascular event and cardiac arrest, while a prisoners’ group condemned the lack of transparency.
- Pro‑government colectivos stayed mobilized in Caracas, alleged internal betrayal over failed air defenses, and vowed to resist any attempt to take control of the country’s oil.
- Regional responses diverged, with Argentina aligning with the U.S. operation and pressing for the release of gendarme Nahuel Gallo, while Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected unilateral force and highlighted cooperation that she says has halved fentanyl trafficking.
- Peru’s government met transport leaders, committed to biweekly working tables and near‑term regulatory steps under Law 32490, and moved to avert a January 15 strike over extortion and killings.