Maduro faces drug and weapons charges in New York federal court

Maduro Captured in US Military Operation

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been captured in a US military operation inside Venezuela, an unprecedented action that has triggered a major international political and legal crisis. According to Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino, a large part of Maduro’s security team was killed during the raid, although no official casualty figures were released.

In a televised address, Padrino confirmed the armed forces had been placed on high alert nationwide, backing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president and declaring that the military would act to “guarantee sovereignty and internal stability.”

The US operation reportedly involved air, land, and sea forces and resulted in Maduro being flown out of Venezuela to a US military base before his transfer to New York.

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Maduro Transferred to High-Security Detention in New York

US media reports say Maduro has arrived at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), the only federal jail in New York City, known for housing high-profile detainees. He is expected to face serious federal criminal charges, including alleged involvement in drug trafficking and weapons offenses.

Maduro was briefly taken to the offices of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) prior to his detention. Legal experts say he is likely to be arraigned in Manhattan federal court in the coming days and is unlikely to be granted bail due to flight risk concerns.

The case is being compared to the prosecution of former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, whose jurisdictional challenges were rejected by US courts.

Trump Defends Operation, Cites Drugs and Election Claims

US President Donald Trump described the operation as a “spectacular assault,” claiming Venezuelan defenses were rendered ineffective within hours. Trump alleged that Maduro masterminded drug trafficking into the United States and maintained power through electoral manipulation claims Maduro has consistently denied.

Trump also said the operation demonstrated US military superiority and was part of a broader strategy to counter hostile regimes. Images of Maduro in custody were shared on Trump’s social media platforms shortly before official confirmation.

Spain Condemns Action, Calls It a Violation of International Law

Spain issued one of the strongest international responses. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Madrid “strongly condemns” the US action, describing it as a violation of international law. His statement went further than earlier remarks in which Spain declined to recognise the intervention.

Spain’s left-wing coalition partner Sumar labelled the operation an act of “imperialist piracy” against a UN member state. Protests erupted in Madrid, with demonstrators both condemning and celebrating Maduro’s detention.

Spain hosts the largest Venezuelan migrant community outside Latin America and the US, adding domestic sensitivity to the issue.

Pakistan’s Reaction: Call for Sovereignty and International Law

Pakistan has expressed serious concern over the developments, emphasizing the importance of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and adherence to international law. Officials in Islamabad have urged all parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through diplomatic and legal mechanisms rather than unilateral military action.

Pakistan reiterated its long-standing position that use of force in international relations undermines global stability and stressed the role of the United Nations in addressing disputes involving sovereign states. Diplomatic sources said Islamabad would closely follow deliberations at the UN Security Council, which is scheduled to meet to discuss the situation.

Legal and Diplomatic Fallout

International law experts say the legality of the US operation will face intense scrutiny. Under international law, the use of force is generally prohibited except in cases of self-defense or with authorization from the UN Security Council, neither of which has been publicly confirmed in this case.

The UN Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session, where divisions among permanent members are likely to emerge. Several countries have already called for an independent international investigation into the operation.

Analysis: A Turning Point in Global Power Politics

The capture of a sitting president through a direct military operation marks a rare and potentially transformative moment in international relations. Supporters of the US action argue it reinforces accountability for leaders accused of transnational crimes. Critics warn it sets a dangerous precedent that weakens international norms and could justify similar actions elsewhere.

For Venezuela, the immediate future remains uncertain, with power consolidation efforts underway and the risk of internal instability looming. For the international system, the episode raises profound questions about sovereignty, jurisdiction, and the limits of military power in enforcing global justice.