CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The United States hit Venezuela with a “large-scale strike” early Saturday and said its president, Nicolás Maduro, had been captured and flown out of the country after months of stepped-up pressure by Washington.
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Activists of Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation burn an effigy of Donald Trump during a protest against a U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from the country, near the U.S. Consulate, in Kolkata, India, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)
Activists of Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation join in a rally with an effigy of Donald Trump during a protest against a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, near the U.S. Consulate, in Kolkata, India, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)
An activist of Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI-M, hold placard during a protest against a U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from the country, near the U.S. Embassy, in Chennai, India, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
Protesters shout slogans while holding a picture of U.S. President Donald Trump as they denounce the U.S. government and Trump after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a rally near the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Protesters hold posters during a rally denouncing the U.S. government and President Donald Trump after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Protesters rally in front of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation. (AP Photo/Jessica Phelps)
A government supporter wears a hat with dolls from the TV program, Super Bigote, based on President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores, during a protest demanding their release from U.S. custody, in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A woman reacts as people gather against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in downtown Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
People shout slogans during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, against a U.S. military attack that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from the country. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
Government supporters demand President Nicolas Maduro's release from U.S. custody during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Nadine Siler, of Waldorf, Md., dressed in a pink frog costume, attends a rally outside the White House in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores in a military operation. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
People celebrate at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Protesters demonstrate in front of Stewart Air National Guard Base before the arrival of captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Newburgh, N.Y. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
A Venezuelan celebrates in Bogotá, Colombia, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. (AP Photo/Jose Vargas)
A protester raises a US flag which has been set ablaze during a rally opposing the United States strikes on Venezuela and the capturing of its President Nicolas Maduro, outside the U.S embassy in Athens, Greece, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
Protesters rally outside the White House Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Washington, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stands on a median strip waving a national flag in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Government supporters rip an American flag in half during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Attorney General Tarek William Saab raises his right fist as he leaves the vice president's office in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A demonstrator holds a banner with a message that reads in Spanish: "Out of Venezuela, U.S." during a protest outside the U.S embassy after President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Venezuelans celebrate at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel attends a rally in Havana, Cuba, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in solidarity with Venezuela after the U.S. captured President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Cubans attends a rally in Havana, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in solidarity with Venezuela after the U.S. captured President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
A protester raises a US flag which has been set ablaze during a rally opposing the United States strikes on Venezuela and the capturing of its President Nicolas Maduro, outside the U.S embassy in Athens, Greece, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
A woman defaces the facade of the U.S. Embassy with red handprints in protest against the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, in Mexico City, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stands on a median strip waving a national flag in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Government supporters rip in half an American flag during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A woman cries during a rally of supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Venezuelans celebrate in Madrid, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Maribel Gonzalez celebrates outside Versailles Cuban Cuisine after President Donald Trump announced President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of Venezuela, in Miami, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Jen Golbeck)
Pro-government armed civilians block streets in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
A Venezuelan national watches a live televised broadcast of U.S. President Donald Trump speaking at a press conference about the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, at a Venezuelan restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Venezuelans celebrate in Quito, Ecuador, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. (AP Photo/Carlos Noriega)
People protest outside the U.S. Embassy against the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, in Mexico City, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
A woman cries during a rally of supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Venezuelans celebrate after President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of Venezuela, in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)
Venezuelans celebrate after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
People line up outside a supermarket in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Venezuelan Wiliana Flores celebrates in Madrid after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
A destroyed armored vehicle sits at La Carlota airport in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after explosions were reported at the site. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Pro-government armed civilians patrol in La Guaira, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Men watch smoke rising from a dock after explosions were heard at La Guaira port, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Venezuelans celebrate after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
Smoke rises from Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela, after multiple explosions were heard and aircraft swept through the area, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro embrace in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
National Guard armored vehicles block an avenue leading to Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Supporters display a poster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
A vehicle drives along a darkened highway next to Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela, after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Residents evacuate a building near the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Smoke raises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Members of the presidential guard stand outside the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Residents evacuate a building near the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Pedestrians run after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Soldiers guard the area around the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Smoke raises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Pedestrians walk past the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Activists of Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation burn an effigy of Donald Trump during a protest against a U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from the country, near the U.S. Consulate, in Kolkata, India, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)
Activists of Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation join in a rally with an effigy of Donald Trump during a protest against a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, near the U.S. Consulate, in Kolkata, India, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)
An activist of Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI-M, hold placard during a protest against a U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from the country, near the U.S. Embassy, in Chennai, India, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
Protesters shout slogans while holding a picture of U.S. President Donald Trump as they denounce the U.S. government and Trump after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a rally near the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Protesters hold posters during a rally denouncing the U.S. government and President Donald Trump after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Protesters rally in front of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation. (AP Photo/Jessica Phelps)
A government supporter wears a hat with dolls from the TV program, Super Bigote, based on President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores, during a protest demanding their release from U.S. custody, in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A woman reacts as people gather against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in downtown Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
People shout slogans during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, against a U.S. military attack that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from the country. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
Government supporters demand President Nicolas Maduro's release from U.S. custody during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Nadine Siler, of Waldorf, Md., dressed in a pink frog costume, attends a rally outside the White House in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores in a military operation. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
People celebrate at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Protesters demonstrate in front of Stewart Air National Guard Base before the arrival of captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Newburgh, N.Y. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
A Venezuelan celebrates in Bogotá, Colombia, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. (AP Photo/Jose Vargas)
A protester raises a US flag which has been set ablaze during a rally opposing the United States strikes on Venezuela and the capturing of its President Nicolas Maduro, outside the U.S embassy in Athens, Greece, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
Protesters rally outside the White House Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Washington, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stands on a median strip waving a national flag in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Government supporters rip an American flag in half during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Attorney General Tarek William Saab raises his right fist as he leaves the vice president's office in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A demonstrator holds a banner with a message that reads in Spanish: "Out of Venezuela, U.S." during a protest outside the U.S embassy after President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Venezuelans celebrate at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel attends a rally in Havana, Cuba, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in solidarity with Venezuela after the U.S. captured President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Cubans attends a rally in Havana, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in solidarity with Venezuela after the U.S. captured President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
A protester raises a US flag which has been set ablaze during a rally opposing the United States strikes on Venezuela and the capturing of its President Nicolas Maduro, outside the U.S embassy in Athens, Greece, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
A woman defaces the facade of the U.S. Embassy with red handprints in protest against the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, in Mexico City, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stands on a median strip waving a national flag in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Government supporters rip in half an American flag during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A woman cries during a rally of supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Venezuelans celebrate in Madrid, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Maribel Gonzalez celebrates outside Versailles Cuban Cuisine after President Donald Trump announced President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of Venezuela, in Miami, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Jen Golbeck)
Pro-government armed civilians block streets in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
A Venezuelan national watches a live televised broadcast of U.S. President Donald Trump speaking at a press conference about the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, at a Venezuelan restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Venezuelans celebrate in Quito, Ecuador, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. (AP Photo/Carlos Noriega)
People protest outside the U.S. Embassy against the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, in Mexico City, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
A woman cries during a rally of supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Venezuelans celebrate after President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of Venezuela, in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)
Venezuelans celebrate after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
People line up outside a supermarket in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Venezuelan Wiliana Flores celebrates in Madrid after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
A destroyed armored vehicle sits at La Carlota airport in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after explosions were reported at the site. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Pro-government armed civilians patrol in La Guaira, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Men watch smoke rising from a dock after explosions were heard at La Guaira port, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Venezuelans celebrate after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
Smoke rises from Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela, after multiple explosions were heard and aircraft swept through the area, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro embrace in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
National Guard armored vehicles block an avenue leading to Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Supporters display a poster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
A vehicle drives along a darkened highway next to Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela, after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Residents evacuate a building near the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Smoke raises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Members of the presidential guard stand outside the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Residents evacuate a building near the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Pedestrians run after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Soldiers guard the area around the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
Smoke raises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Pedestrians walk past the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
MILAN (AP) — Italian soccer is in crisis on and off the field, with another refereeing scandal emerging on the heels of the men's team's repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referees in Serie A and Serie B, has been placed under criminal investigation for alleged sports fraud and will appear in court in Milan on Thursday.
Also under investigation is VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni.
Rocchi, who has been accused of influencing VAR decisions and altering the selection of referees, has stepped away from his role while awaiting further developments.
“We have a duty to guarantee that the soccer system ensures transparency and equal treatment,” Serie A president Ezio Simonelli said in a statement. “Trusting in the work of the competent bodies, it cannot be a notice of investigation that calls into question the intellectual honesty and the work of an entire system.
“If it turns out that someone made a mistake, it will be right for them to pay. But it is never allowed to question the credibility of the system and the regularity of the championship.”
Rocchi is under investigation for incidents during the 2024-25 season. He allegedly interfered with VAR protocols during a Serie A match between Udinese and Parma on March 1, 2025, by banging on the window of the VAR booth and recommending that the officials call for an on-field review of a penalty.
Italian media reports that Rocchi’s selection of referees is also being examined amid suggestions he changed the official for an Inter Milan match to one who was more favorable towards the Nerazzurri.
Inter, which finished a point behind Serie A champion Napoli, has not been implicated.
The Italian soccer federation (FIGC) investigated a complaint against Rocchi for the VAR booth incident last year but dismissed disciplinary proceedings in July. However, the issue has resurfaced with the launch of the criminal investigation.
FIGC Prosecutor Giuseppe Chiné said he is in contact with the public prosecutor’s office in Milan and will reconsider reopening the FIGC investigation if new evidence emerges.
Italian soccer was already in crisis after the national team failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup, prompting the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso earlier this month.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
FILE - Referee Gianluca Rocchi holds the ball during a Serie A soccer match between Juventus and Roma, at the Allianz stadium in Turin, Italy, Saturday, Aug.1, 2020. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)