Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was apprehended in Caracas by US forces on Saturday and subsequently transported to the United States, where he is scheduled to appear in a New York federal court on charges including narco-terrorism. Concurrently, Delcy RodrĂguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, has been sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, a transition supported by the country's military. The events have prompted various statements from US officials regarding future policy in Venezuela and reports of casualties during the operation.
Capture and Legal Proceedings
Nicolás Maduro, who led the United Socialist Party of Venezuela since 2013, and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended at their compound in Caracas during a special forces operation on Saturday morning. This operation reportedly involved air strikes on military bases in Caracas, including Fuerte Tiuna. Maduro and Flores were then flown to the United States, landing at an airport in New York City's northern suburbs on Saturday afternoon (Sunday AEDT). He was subsequently transported by helicopter to Manhattan and then by convoy to a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office. A video released by a White House social media account depicted Maduro being escorted by two DEA agents.
Maduro and Flores face US charges related to a narco-terrorism conspiracy, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses. The US government had previously indicted Maduro and other Venezuelan officials on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges in 2020 and issued a new indictment against him and his wife on Saturday, alleging his administration was supported by a drug-trafficking operation. Maduro denies these allegations and has accused the US of using the "war on drugs" as a pretext to depose him and gain access to Venezuela's oil resources. He is scheduled for an initial appearance in Manhattan's federal court on Monday. Legal experts have raised questions regarding the lawfulness of the operation due to the absence of congressional approval.
Venezuelan Leadership Transition
Following Maduro's apprehension, Delcy RodrĂguez was sworn in as interim president by Venezuela's Supreme Court on Monday. She is scheduled to be officially sworn in as president in Caracas and has received backing from Venezuela's military. RodrĂguez, who previously served as Maduro's vice-president, is regarded as a close associate of the detained leader.
Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced on Sunday that armed forces nationwide had been activated to safeguard the country's sovereignty. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello affirmed the Venezuelan government's unity in support of Mr. Maduro.
In her initial public statements, Interim President RodrĂguez has shown varied responses, condemning Maduro's apprehension as an "illegal kidnapping" while also stating her government had "invited the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of co-operation orientated towards shared development within the framework of international law."
One of RodrĂguez's initial actions was to replace General Javier Marcano Tábata, who commanded Venezuela's presidential honor guard and also headed the military counterintelligence unit (DGCIM). His successor previously led the national intelligence service (Sebin). Analysts suggest Marcano Tábata's removal is likely linked to the perceived failure of the presidential honor guard to prevent Maduro's apprehension. The UN has documented human rights violations, including torture and sexual violence, by both the DGCIM and Sebin under their respective former leaderships.
US Statements and Policy
US President Donald Trump issued a warning to interim President Delcy RodrĂguez, stating, "If she doesn't do what's right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro." He had previously stated the US would "run" Venezuela until a "safe and proper and judicious transition" could be established, and promised US oil company involvement in infrastructure. On Tuesday, President Trump announced that Venezuela would "turn over" up to 50 million barrels of oil to the US, a statement on which Venezuela's interim government has not yet commented.
US Senator Marco Rubio, in comments following the operation, defended the US action, clarifying that it was "not a war against Venezuela" but against "drug trafficking organizations." He stated the US would maintain "multiple levers of leverage" to protect its interests, including an oil "quarantine." Rubio asserted that congressional authorization was unnecessary as it was a "law enforcement operation" and not an invasion, conducted by FBI agents, and that pre-notification risked leaks. He clarified that President Trump's earlier statements about the US temporarily managing Venezuela referred to the continued enforcement of the oil quarantine and the expectation of policy changes beneficial to the Venezuelan people and against drug trafficking. The US government does not recognize Maduro or the current Venezuelan regime as legitimate.
US objectives, as outlined by Senator Rubio, include the elimination of drug trafficking, removal of Iran/Hezbollah presence, and prevention of the oil industry from benefiting US adversaries. He indicated that the US would observe the actions of Maduro's subordinates currently in leadership and suggested that current Venezuelan authorities might be more compliant following Maduro's capture.
Casualties and International Reactions
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino reported that "a large part" of Maduro's security team, soldiers, and civilians were killed during the US operation. An unverified report by The New York Times, citing a Venezuelan official, placed the death toll at 80. US officials have stated no American troops were harmed.
The Cuban government, a long-standing ally of Maduro, announced two days of national mourning, reporting that 32 "Cuban combatants" died during the US operation. Many of these individuals are believed to have been integrated into the Venezuelan presidential honor guard.
Context and Situation in Caracas
The US operation followed a period of increased US administrative pressure on Maduro, including an enhanced American military presence in the region and operations targeting boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean suspected of drug trafficking. A CIA drone strike was reportedly executed last week at a docking area in Venezuela, identified as a possible site for Venezuelan drug cartel activity, representing the first known direct operation on Venezuelan territory since the US campaign commenced in September.
On Sunday, Caracas experienced reduced activity following the operation involving Maduro. Vehicle traffic was minimal, and most convenience stores, petrol stations, and other businesses were closed. The presidential palace was observed to be under the guard of armed civilians and military personnel.