Juan Guaidó swears himself in as President, recognized by the US, Canada, and multiple Latin American nations. Nicolás Maduro refuses to step down, breaks off diplomatic relations with the US, and orders American diplomats to leave within 72 hours.[3][4][5]
Massive anti-government protests happen in Venezuela; security forces use force, resulting in at least 26 deaths and 364 detentions.[6]
FAES officers in Caracas kill Juan Diego Rodríguez and Kelvin Otero Paz during separate home raids; Alan Molina, detained with Otero Paz, is held in custody with drugs planted on him.[7]
March
7 March – Venezuela suffers its largest blackout in history, affecting all states and leaving Caracas without power for three days and much of the country for a week.[8]
21 March – Roberto Marrero, Juan Guaidó’s chief of staff, is arrested by Sebin agents; the authorities cite insurrection and weapons, while the move sparks international condemnation.[9]
Juan Guaidó calls on the military to oust Maduro; Maduro stays in power backed by the military, amid international reactions.[11]
Opposition leader Leopoldo López, under house arrest, participates in an attempted military uprising; Venezuelan authorities respond by detaining military personnel and cracking down on supporters.[12]
7 June – The UNHCR and IOM report that Venezuelan refugees and migrants surpass 4 million, making it one of the largest displacement crises globally.[14]
July
22 July – A major blackout hits over half of Venezuela’s states, including Caracas; the government blames it on an “electromagnetic attack.”[15]
The Supreme Court suspends leadership at the Central University of Venezuela, mandating new elections at nine public universities, as César Trómpiz is appointed to lead new university education policies.[1]
The Bolivarian Militia is integrated into the National Guard; the government begins distributing over 321,000 rifles for Christmas security patrols.[1]
December
Two opposition deputies, Janet Fernández and Fernando Orozco, are arrested for an alleged conspiracy against Maduro.[1]
