U.S. Captures Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, Files Criminal Charges as Washington Claims Transition Role

Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro has arrived in the United States to face criminal charges following a US military operation in Venezuela. US officials say Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by US forces in Caracas and flown out of the country before being taken to New York. Maduro is now being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and is expected to appear in federal court.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and Flores have been charged with narco terrorism conspiracy cocaine importation weapons offenses and possession of destructive devices. Maduro has previously denied all accusations and has accused the US of using the war on drugs as an excuse to remove him from power and gain access to Venezuela oil reserves.

US President Donald Trump said the United States will run Venezuela during what he called a safe and proper transition. He said US companies would help fix Venezuela broken oil infrastructure and ensure the country starts generating income again. Trump added that the US will lead the transition with a group of people and said discussions had taken place with Venezuela Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

Following Maduro removal Venezuela declared a state of national emergency and condemned the US action as military aggression. Rodríguez said Maduro remains the only legitimate president of Venezuela and warned that the country will defend its sovereignty. However Venezuela Supreme Court later ordered Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president to ensure government continuity.

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