US military operation removes Venezuela’s president and triggers global reaction.
US forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a military operation in Venezuela, transferring them to the United States where federal prosecutors have unsealed long-standing criminal indictments.
US President Donald Trump said the operation involved strikes in and around Caracas and several other regions, followed by Maduro’s removal from the country aboard a US military aircraft and subsequent transfer to a US naval vessel. Trump later confirmed that Maduro was flown to New York and placed in federal custody.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said Maduro and Flores were indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons-related offences. US officials said the charges stem from allegations first filed in 2020, accusing Maduro of leading a network involved in drug trafficking into the United States.
Venezuelan authorities described the operation as a military assault and said strikes hit areas including Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. Government officials said civilians and members of the security forces were killed, though no figures were released. Venezuela declared a national emergency and accused Washington of violating its sovereignty.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government initially did not know Maduro’s whereabouts and demanded proof of life. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino condemned the presence of foreign troops and said Venezuela would resist external intervention.
International reaction was swift. Russia and China condemned the operation as a violation of international law, while several Latin American governments expressed concern over the use of force. The United Nations Secretary-General warned the incident could set a dangerous precedent.
US officials said oil infrastructure was not targeted and that production remained unaffected. Trump said Washington would play a role in determining Venezuela’s next steps, stating that the US would remain involved in the country’s transition.
The UN Security Council is expected to meet to discuss the developments as questions continue over the legal basis, regional impact and consequences of the operation.
