The United States has confirmed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and their subsequent arrival in New York City. This development came after a significant operation in Caracas, where U.S. officials indicted the couple. Accusations against Maduro include running a “narco-state” and manipulating the 2024 election in Venezuela. The U.S. intervention in Latin America has been described as the most direct in decades. Venezuela’s government has denounced the action as an “imperialist attack,” leading to flight cancellations in the region.
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela temporarily until a smooth transition occurs. Maduro and his wife were reportedly taken from their residence by U.S. forces and transported to face legal charges in New York. The operation involved explosions and aircraft activity in Caracas, prompting allegations of U.S. attacks on civilian and military sites by the Venezuelan government.
During a news conference, Trump praised the U.S. forces’ actions and mentioned plans to manage Venezuela, without providing specific details. The U.S. administration’s involvement in Venezuela’s affairs has raised questions about leadership and governance. Key officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, were present at the conference to address inquiries regarding the operation.
The operation, named Operation Absolute Resolve, was coordinated by Gen. Dan Caine and involved multiple U.S. military branches. The move to capture Maduro is part of escalating pressure on his regime, with previous actions targeting drug-related activities in the region. International reactions to the U.S. intervention have been mixed, with countries like Russia and Cuba expressing concerns and condemnation.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, with uncertainties about the future governance of the country. The U.S. actions have drawn parallels to historical interventions in Latin America, sparking debates about the legality and consequences of such operations. The U.S. Congress and global leaders are closely monitoring developments in Venezuela, emphasizing respect for international law and democratic principles.