Venezuela in February 2026: the most important developments in security
Venezuela's security news in February 2026 was dominated by the arrest of Alex Saab, a businessman and close ally of Nicolás Maduro, on February 4. Venezuelan authorities reportedly carried it out in a joint operation with the US, reportedly with FBI coordination. US officials confirmed the arrest; Saab's lawyer and Venezuela denied it. Another wealthy businessman linked to the government was also reportedly targeted.
The month also saw releases and a new detention of opposition figures. Activist Javier Tarazona was freed on February 2 after four years in prison. On February 9, opposition leader Guanipa, an ally of María Corina Machado, was seized by heavily armed men in Caracas hours after leaving prison, according to opposition sources. After an amnesty law was approved, Venezuela freed 80 political prisoners by February 21, and a journalist was released on February 22.
Relations with the US continued after Maduro was taken by US forces. The head of US Southern Command made a surprise visit to Caracas on February 18 for security talks. The Venezuelan military added anti-aircraft defenses, and Trump gave details of a secret weapon used in the operation against Maduro. The US struck alleged drug boats. Colombia said Venezuela was pressuring guerrillas. In the US, authorities opened a perjury probe into ICE officers' testimony about the shooting of a Venezuelan man.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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