Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has delivered a cryptic five-word statement following his dramatic capture by United States forces and subsequent extradition to New York, where he faces serious criminal charges.
The Capture and Charges
Maduro was first seized in Venezuela on Saturday after US troops conducted an operation at his home. The Venezuelan government has stated that at least 40 people, comprising both civilians and military personnel, were killed during the attack. The president and his wife were swiftly transferred to the US, where they arrived on Saturday evening.
Officials have charged the couple with multiple offences, with a federal indictment unsealed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi. The primary charge is narco-terrorism conspiracy, alongside counts of cocaine importation conspiracy and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
Arrival in New York and Court Appearance
The detained leader was transported via helicopter to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a facility known for housing high-profile inmates. Video footage showed a handcuffed Maduro being escorted by multiple Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents.
It was during this procession that Maduro broke his near 24-hour silence, remarking, "Good night. Happy New Year." The clip, shared on social media platform X, attracted numerous comments mocking the Venezuelan leader's message and his choice of headwear.
Maduro is scheduled to appear before a federal court next week to answer the charges related to alleged drug trafficking and illegal arms dealing.
US Plans for Venezuela's Future
In the aftermath of the operation, former President Donald Trump announced that the United States would assume control of Venezuela to facilitate a transition. Trump stated the US would be "very strongly involved" in Venezuela's oil industry, suggesting American oil companies would be tasked with rebuilding the country's infrastructure and extracting its resources.
"We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump said, framing the move as a necessary step following Maduro's removal from power.
The unprecedented military action and extradition of a sitting head of state have sent shockwaves through the international community, with world leaders beginning to issue their reactions to the bold US manoeuvre.
