Pro-Maduro supporters in Caracas take to the streets one week after US military action

Government supporters marched on Saturday (January 10) in Caracas calling for the release of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, one week after their capture by U.S. forces sparked protests and diplomatic tensions.

Caracas was rocked early on January 3 by U.S. strikes and Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro was captured by U.S. Special Forces.

Pro-Maduro Venezuelans carried posters of the detained leader and his spouse on Saturday, protesting against the U.S. military operation and demanding the "immediate liberation" of the couple.

Maduro faces four U.S. federal criminal counts that include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. He pleaded not guilty. His next court date is set for March 17. His wife, Cilia Flores, faces the same charges except for narco-terrorism. She also pleaded not guilty.

The remaining Venezuelan government has put in place a state of emergency since the attack. It has issued orders for police to "immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone involved in the promotion or support for the armed attack by the United States," according to a text of the decree published on Monday (January 5).

Marchers also expressed solidarity with the acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed leadership.

Production: Reuters