US Arraigns Venezuela’s Maduro in New York After Shock Military Operation

Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday, days after United States forces seized him in Caracas during a surprise military operation that has reshaped Venezuela’s political landscape.

US authorities brought Maduro, 63, to court under heavy security following his transfer by helicopter and armoured vehicle. He faces narcotrafficking charges alongside his wife, Cilia Flores.

American commandos captured the couple on Saturday during an operation involving helicopters, fighter jets, and naval support, removing them from Caracas and transporting them out of the country.

Attention has now turned to Venezuela’s response. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez signalled a shift in tone late Sunday, offering cooperation with the United States after initially rejecting the intervention.

“We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on an agenda for cooperation,” Rodriguez said.

Supporters of Maduro staged protests in Caracas on Sunday, with crowds waving national flags and chanting slogans. The Venezuelan military announced its recognition of Rodriguez as interim leader and urged calm across the country.

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the operation resulted in the deaths of members of Maduro’s security team, as well as military personnel and civilians, though authorities have released no official casualty figures.

US President Donald Trump declared that Washington was now “in charge” of developments in Venezuela, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions about elections were premature.

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Trump openly cited access to Venezuela’s oil resources as a key US priority, saying the country needed “total access” to rebuild the nation. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, though analysts warn that increasing production would take time and major investment.

Oil prices dipped slightly as markets reacted to the unfolding crisis.

The Trump administration said it continues to apply pressure by blocking Venezuelan oil shipments and warned of further military action if necessary. A strong US naval presence remains off Venezuela’s coast.

Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia welcomed the intervention but said it fell short without the release of political prisoners and recognition of his claimed victory in the 2024 election.

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Monday at Venezuela’s request.

Meanwhile, China, Russia, and Iran condemned the US operation, with Beijing calling it a violation of international law. Several European Union countries also expressed concern.

Despite Maduro’s removal, senior allies remain influential within Venezuela’s political structure, leaving the country’s long-term direction uncertain.