• Source:JND

Starlink says it is offering free broadband service to the entire country of Venezuela until February 3. The action follows a string of developments on the political front in Venezuela, after the US took credit for jailing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores earlier this month.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Starlink stated, “Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity.” Elon Musk reshared the announcement, adding that the decision was made “in support of the people of Venezuela”.

Maduro's Arrest and International Reactions

According to reports, US forces carried out an overnight operation in Caracas, after which Maduro and Flores were flown out of the country on a US helicopter. They were later transferred to the USS Iwo Jima at an undisclosed location in the Caribbean Sea. Former US President Donald Trump later shared what he described as Maduro’s first photograph following the arrest on social media.

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Elon Musk reshared Trump’s post and congratulated him, writing, “This is a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere.” In another post, Musk said it was “heartwarming to see so many Venezuelans celebrating their country freed from a brutal tyrant.”

US Position on Venezuela’s Transition

Following Maduro’s removal, Donald Trump stated that the United States would “run” Venezuela temporarily until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” could be established. He said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been in talks with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, adding that she appeared willing to cooperate with Washington.

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Trump told reporters that Rodríguez had shown readiness to do “whatever” was needed to stabilise the situation, adding that the US did not want to risk another leadership taking control without the interests of Venezuelans in mind.

Venezuela Declares National Emergency

Venezuelan officials, for their part, have criticised the US move as “military aggression”. The country has declared a national emergency, and the vice president is stubbornly maintaining that Nicolás Maduro is still Venezuela’s only legitimate leader.

With political uncertainty ongoing, Starlink’s provision of free internet in the country is set to be important in helping Venezuelans connect amid disruption and restricted access to infrastructure as well as the intense heat for information.


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