• Maduro denies all drug terrorism charges.
• Claims US forces abducted him from Caracas.
• US confirms it is now “in charge” of Venezuela.
The sensational geopolitical drama unfolded as Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela, appeared before a federal judge in Manhattan, New York, on Monday. Facing serious charges of narco-terrorism, the 63-year-old political figure pleaded not guilty, asserting forcefully that he had been forcefully ‘abducted’ from his residence in Caracas just two days prior by US military personnel. Maduro reportedly insisted during the proceedings that he was still the legitimate president of his nation.
His wife, Celia Flores, who also stands accused of complicity in drug smuggling, entered a similar plea of not guilty. The arrest and extradition followed a stunning, high-stakes operation executed by American forces in the Venezuelan capital. Reports indicate that the raid involved commandos, helicopters, and support from naval and air assets, successfully capturing the couple. Maduro was transported under heavy security, involving armored vehicles and armed law enforcement, for his court appearance.
The immediate repercussions in Venezuela have been profound. Following the capture, the country’s political landscape shifted rapidly. Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, who initially resisted US involvement, made a surprising turnaround, extending an invitation to the US government, led by Donald Trump, to collaborate on a cooperation agenda. The Venezuelan military, historically loyal to Maduro, quickly recognized Rodríguez as the interim authority and urged citizens to maintain peace.
While official death tolls remain undisclosed, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that a “significant portion” of Maduro’s security detail, military personnel, and civilians were “brutally” killed during the weekend operation. The Trump administration made no attempt to conceal its intentions. On Sunday night, President Trump declared that the US was effectively “in charge” of the South American nation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that discussions about immediate elections were “premature” given the circumstances.
When pressed on the US objectives for cooperating with the new leadership, Trump was explicit: “We need full access. We need access to their oil and other things in their country that will help us rebuild their country.” Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
The sudden possibility of this crude entering the global market caused market jitters and a temporary dip in oil prices, although analysts caution that significantly boosting Venezuela’s output quickly will be neither easy nor inexpensive. The US continues to apply economic pressure, reportedly stopping oil tankers, and has threatened further military action, maintaining a large naval presence near Venezuelan shores. Opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia acknowledged the ‘importance’ of the US intervention but stressed it was ‘insufficient’ without the release of political prisoners and recognition of his faction’s 2024 election win.