A new wave of large-scale public protests erupted in La Guaira state, located in north-central Venezuela. Hundreds of citizens took to the streets to voice their strong opposition and condemnation of what they describe as the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores by the United States government.
The demonstrators, who gathered in the state's main squares, carried signs and placards demanding the immediate return of the President and First Lady to Venezuelan soil. They affirmed their recognition of the couple's legitimacy as the nation's leaders and rejected any form of external interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
Participants in the rally chanted slogans in support of the government, denouncing what they perceive as a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law.
These protests reflect the profound outrage that has swept through broad segments of the Venezuelan population following the announcement earlier this month of the alleged abduction of President Maduro and his spouse. Local analysts view the incident as a serious escalation of the ongoing political crisis in the country.