New York/Caracas
Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, pleading not guilty to long-standing charges of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses. Maduro defiantly proclaimed his innocence from the courtroom, insisting, “I am still the president of my country,” while calling the U.S. operation that seized him a “kidnapping.”
The dramatic court appearance capped a whirlwind weekend that began with a bold U.S. military raid on Caracas early Saturday. Codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, the mission involved airstrikes on military targets and a ground assault by elite special forces—nearly 200 troops in total—who extracted Maduro and Flores from their fortified residence. President Donald Trump praised the operation as a stunning success, sharing images of a bound Maduro aboard a U.S. warship and declaring that the U.S. would temporarily “run” Venezuela to secure its vast oil reserves and stabilize the nation.
In Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez was swiftly sworn in as interim president, vowing loyalty to Maduro while signaling openness to dialogue with Washington. Streets in Caracas remained eerily quiet amid heightened security, with reports of over 80 deaths during the raid, including dozens of Cuban personnel supporting Maduro’s regime.
The raid has ignited fierce international backlash. China and Russia led condemnations at an emergency UN Security Council session, accusing the U.S. of violating sovereignty and setting a “dangerous precedent.” Cuba declared national mourning, while allies like France and Brazil decried the incursion as unlawful. Even some U.S. partners expressed unease, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on the “perfect operation.”
Domestically, public opinion is sharply divided. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday showed only about one-third of Americans approving the action, with strong Republican support (around 65%) contrasting low backing from Democrats. Oil stocks surged on Wall Street amid speculation over Venezuela’s reserves, pushing the Dow to record highs, though broader markets remain cautious about escalating geopolitical risks.
Trump has warned of further strikes if Venezuela’s new leadership doesn’t cooperate, while extending threats to nations like Colombia and Mexico over drug flows. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized a focus on transition rather than permanent control, but the administration’s plans for Venezuela’s future—and its massive oil wealth—remain fluid as global tensions simmer. Developments are unfolding rapidly, with potential for more UN debates and diplomatic fallout in the days ahead.