Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday, days after being seized in Caracas during a US military operation. The president faces narcotrafficking charges along with his wife, Cilia Flores.
The couple was forcibly removed from Caracas on Saturday in a large-scale operation involving helicopters, fighter jets, and naval fjorces. Maduro, 63, was transported to New York via helicopter and armoured vehicle before being escorted by armed officers to the courthouse.
US Military Operation Sparks Regional Tension
The US operation triggered significant political responses. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, initially defiant, offered to cooperate with the US government, signaling a shift in the country’s leadership dynamics.
Meanwhile, roughly 2,000 Maduro supporters rallied in Caracas, with armed demonstrators and citizens waving Venezuelan flags. Despite the unrest, the Venezuelan military officially recognised Rodriguez as interim leader and urged calm.
Casualties and Security Situation
Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez reported that a large portion of Maduro’s security team was killed, along with military personnel and civilians. No official death toll has been confirmed.
The US maintained a significant naval presence off Venezuela’s coast, although no ground forces remain inside the country. Trump stated that the United States is “in charge” and emphasised the need for access to Venezuela’s oil reserves and strategic resources.
International and Regional Reactions
The US intervention prompted condemnation from countries such as China, Iran, and Russia. China called for Maduro’s immediate release, describing the operation as a violation of international law. Iran confirmed its ongoing relations with Venezuela and demanded Maduro’s return.
Regional leaders, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro, criticised the US action, describing it as an assault on Latin American sovereignty. Petro rejected threats of further military action while cautioning against potential humanitarian consequences.
Oil and Economic Implications
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Analysts suggest that US control over oil resources could impact global markets, although substantially increasing production will be challenging. The Trump administration is leveraging economic sanctions and maritime blockades to maintain influence over Venezuelan oil exports.
Maduro’s Political Network
Before his capture, Maduro retained power alongside his wife Cilia Flores, interim leader Rodriguez, her brother Jorge, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The US strategy focuses on removing Maduro while allowing some of his associates to remain in administrative roles.
The Venezuelan opposition remains largely sidelined despite the US claims that Maduro had disrupted democratic elections in 2024.
Global Implications
The operation has heightened international scrutiny of the US approach to regime change. The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency session to discuss the unfolding situation. Analysts warn that the intervention may deepen regional instability while raising concerns over sovereignty and humanitarian impact.
