Thousands of supporters of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro took to the streets of Caracas on Friday in a massive protest, demanding his release, following his arrest by US forces on January 3 in a military operation, according to local officials and international reports.

The demonstration took place on the 68th anniversary of the fall of the dictatorship of Marcos Pérez Jiménez (1948–1958) and marked one of the largest pro-Maduro rallies since the US military operation. In the main square near O'Leary in downtown Caracas, protesters waved flags and held signs demanding the return of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently in the United States, where they are expected to face federal charges, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism.

A large banner read: “We want them back,” as many citizens expressed anger at what they called an “illegal capture” by US authorities. “Maduro’s arrest was unjust,” said Marlene Blanco, a 65-year-old accountant, adding that Venezuela deserves control over its assets, especially oil. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who was present at the rally, said that interim President Delcy Rodríguez — who took over as leader after Maduro’s departure — has “the full support of the ruling party.” He praised the resistance of supporters and highlighted their demands for the presidential couple’s release.

For her part, Rodríguez has called for closer dialogue with Washington, but her government has continued to demand the return of Maduro and Flores to Venezuela. The January 3 operation, announced by the United States as a legal action to stop drug trafficking and corruption, has caused strong reactions at home and abroad, leading to diplomatic tensions and mass protests in the Venezuelan capital.

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