NEWYORK: Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro made his first appearance before a US federal court in New York on Monday, marking a dramatic escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with the South American nation. His arrival follows a surprise US military operation in Caracas that led to his capture over the weekend, sending shockwaves across Latin America and beyond.
Maduro, 63, was transported under heavy security to the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan after landing at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. He was escorted by armed federal agents using a combination of helicopters and armored vehicles. The former Venezuelan leader is facing serious narcotrafficking-related charges filed by US prosecutors, alongside similar allegations against his wife, Cilia Flores.
According to US officials, Maduro was seized on Saturday during a rapid operation involving helicopters, fighter jet support, and naval assets. The mission reportedly targeted senior leadership figures in Caracas and resulted in significant casualties among Maduro’s security detail. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez later claimed that members of the presidential guard, as well as military personnel and civilians, were killed during the operation.
In Caracas, the political situation remains tense. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, who initially condemned the US action, softened her stance late Sunday by signaling willingness to engage with Washington. In a public statement, Rodriguez invited the US government to open discussions on cooperation, a move that suggests an effort to stabilize the country amid uncertainty.
The Venezuelan military announced that it recognizes Rodriguez as the interim authority and urged citizens to remain calm. Despite this, thousands of Maduro supporters gathered in the capital, including armed motorcycle groups waving flags and chanting slogans in defiance of US involvement.
US President Donald Trump declared that the United States was now “in charge” of Venezuela, a statement that drew sharp reactions internationally. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that discussions about future Venezuelan elections were premature, indicating that Washington’s immediate focus remains on security and economic control.
A key issue driving US interest is Venezuela’s vast oil wealth. The country holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and Trump openly stated that the US needs full access to Venezuelan oil resources to help rebuild the nation. However, energy analysts caution that restoring and expanding oil production will take years of investment, infrastructure repairs, and political stability. Global oil prices dipped slightly as markets reacted to the unfolding situation.
The Trump administration continues to apply economic pressure through maritime restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports and has warned that further military action remains an option if resistance escalates. While no US troops are believed to be operating inside Venezuela at this time, the situation remains fluid, with global attention focused on Maduro’s court case and Venezuela’s uncertain future.
