What are the latest developments in Venezuela's political situation?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Giles Snyder. Venezuela's vice president says the whereabouts of leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife are unknown. The government is demanding proof of life after President Trump said the two are in U.S. hands. In a social media post early this morning, President Trump said U.S.
forces have carried out what he called a large-scale strike against Venezuela and captured Maduro. Multiple explosions hit the capital of Venezuela overnight, causing several fires and panic among residents. According to the Venezuelan government, the strikes hit military and civilian sites in Caracas and also in three other states around the country. NPR's Kerry Kahn reports.
In a statement, Venezuela's government said it, quote, rejects, condemns, and denounces before the international community the extremely grave military aggression carried out by the current U.S. government. Multiple explosions were heard around 2 a.m. local time throughout Caracas. One journalist told NPR that two explosions hit the runway of the military airport La Carlota inside the capital.
The Pentagon referred all inquiries to the White House. The Trump administration has been increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro, who the U.S. says is the leader of a, quote, narco-terrorist organization. Maduro has declared a state of external disturbance and called for an immediate move to arms struggle. Carrie Khan, NPR News, Rio de Janeiro.
Iranian officials say they'll continue to clamp down on anti-government protesters despite warnings from President Trump that he'd intervene to help them, the BBC's Lise Doucette reports.
This latest wave of unrest in Iran, the most significant in years, shows no sign of stopping. In large parts of the country, daily life still goes on without interruption. But protests have spread to a number of cities and towns, with running battles reported between security forces and demonstrators.
Local officials quoted by state media warned that what they called illegal gatherings would be dealt with decisively and without leniency.
Protests in Iran have always been met with significant force.
Last month, the Trump administration expanded the list of countries with complete or partial limits on travel to the United States from 19 countries to 39. Those restrictions became effective on January 1st.
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