In a dramatic military operation that has sent shockwaves across Latin America, United States forces have seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from Caracas. The controversial raid, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, resulted in Maduro being transported to the US, where he now faces serious drug trafficking charges.
A Swift Seizure and Stark Warnings
Following the operation, former US President Donald Trump declared that America would "run" Venezuela. He issued a further warning on Sunday, stating that the US might launch a second strike if the remaining members of Maduro's government did not cooperate with efforts to get the country "fixed". The intervention marks Washington's most controversial action in the region since the invasion of Panama 37 years ago.
In the wake of Maduro's capture, Venezuelan Vice-President and key Maduro ally, Delcy Rodríguez, has been appointed acting president. In a significant and conciliatory shift, Rodríguez used an Instagram post on Sunday to offer "to collaborate" with the Trump administration. She expressed a hope to build "respectful relations" with Donald Trump, inviting US cooperation on shared development within international law.
Contradictions and Condemnation
Rodríguez's online message contrasted sharply with her earlier televised address, where she gave no indication of cooperation. She labelled the US action "an atrocity that violates international law", referred to Trump's government as "extremists", and maintained that Maduro remained Venezuela's legitimate leader. Trump later warned that if Rodríguez did not fall in line, "she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro".
The raid has drawn widespread international condemnation. The governments of Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay issued a joint statement saying the US actions "constitute an extremely dangerous precedent for peace and regional security". All EU nations except Hungary called for restraint. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated Britain was not involved but refused to condemn the attack, while cabinet minister Darren Jones called for a peaceful transition of power.
Key Developments and Fallout
Rodríguez has announced a commission to seek the release of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Maduro is currently held in a New York detention centre, awaiting a court appearance on Monday on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, which he denies.
Venezuelan Defence Minister, General Vladimir Padrino, stated the US attack killed soldiers, civilians, and a "large part" of Maduro's security detail "in cold blood". The Cuban government reported that 32 of its citizens died during the raid.
In other significant statements:
- Top officials in Maduro's government called the seizure a kidnapping.
- Maduro's son, Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra, vowed his father's supporters would take to the streets.
- Trump suggested the US would work with remaining officials to clamp down on drug trafficking and overhaul Venezuela's oil industry, stating US companies needed "total access" to its vast reserves.
- Trump also hinted that Colombia and Mexico could face military action if they did not reduce drug flows to the US.
Images of the 63-year-old Maduro, blindfolded and handcuffed, have stunned Venezuelans. As hundreds of his supporters gathered in Caracas to demand his release, the future of Venezuela hangs in the balance, with the potential for a major geopolitical realignment in the region.
