Nicolas Maduro, the former leader of Venezuela, was captured and taken to a detention center in New York after President Donald Trump ordered a raid against him, citing control over Venezuela, a major oil-producing nation. The news of Maduro, 63, being blindfolded and handcuffed surprised many Venezuelans and marked a significant U. S. intervention in Latin America, reminiscent of past military actions. Maduro, who is due in a Manhattan court, greeted his captors with a “Happy New Year” upon arrival.
In Venezuela, Maduro’s allies claimed he was kidnapped, calling it an imperialist strategy to seize the country’s oil resources. The atmosphere in Venezuela was tense and quiet, with many residents feeling fearful and uncertain about the future. Some stocked up on necessities, while others remained indoors. Trump announced plans for the U. S. to control Venezuela, which has around 30 million residents and the largest oil reserves globally, without providing specific strategies for governance.
Despite the unrest, Trump’s focus on managing the nation seemingly excluded Maria Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader, who was previously barred from participating in the 2024 elections. She claimed that her ally, Edmundo Gonzalez, should rightfully assume the presidency based on the opposition’s victory in a recent election.
Venezuela’s economy, once prosperous, has deteriorated under Maduro, leading to a massive exodus of citizens. Many expatriates expressed relief about Maduro’s ousting, who had a reputation for suppressing opposition. Trump accused Maduro of being corrupt and involved in drug trafficking, which Maduro denied. Venezuelan officials demanded his return, asserting that Maduro was still the nation’s president, with Delcy Rodriguez stating, “There is only one president in Venezuela. “
U. S. Special Forces apprehended Maduro following military operations in the country. While many Western countries disapproved of Maduro’s leadership, there were calls to respect international law and seek a diplomatic resolution instead of military intervention. Democrats criticized the U. S. actions and questioned the legality of capturing a foreign leader, demanding clear plans for the situation ahead.
Trump suggested that U. S. oil companies would return to Venezuela to restore its damaged oil sector, which experts note could take years. He expressed readiness for military involvement, claiming it wouldn’t cost the U. S. financially due to oil revenue. Maduro was transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, entering facing drug-related charges from 2020.
The U. N. Security Council planned to discuss the U. S. actions, with the Secretary-General noting the risks involved in this precedent. Russia and China, both supporters of Venezuela, condemned the U. S. intervention. The Pope expressed concern, advocating for Venezuela’s sovereignty and the protection of its citizens’ rights.
Overall, despite some residents’ normal activities continuing in Venezuela, the mood was cautious, and the future remained uncertain as questions swirled about U. S. plans in the region and their implications for international relations.
With information from Reuters
