Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday, days after being seized in a US military operation in Caracas that aimed to pave the way for Washington’s influence over the oil-rich nation.
Maduro, 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, face narcotrafficking charges.
They were forcibly removed from Caracas on Saturday during an operation involving helicopters, fighter jets, and naval forces. On Monday, Maduro was escorted by heavily armed law enforcement officers to a New York courthouse via helicopter and armored car.
In Venezuela, interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, initially defiant, signaled willingness to cooperate with the US, saying, “We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on an agenda for cooperation.”
Meanwhile, roughly 2,000 Maduro supporters, some armed, rallied in Caracas, while the military, loyal to Maduro, recognized Rodriguez and called for calm. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez reported that a significant portion of Maduro’s security detail and some military personnel and civilians were killed during the US operation.
President Donald Trump declared the United States “in charge” of Venezuela and emphasized the need for access to the country’s oil and other resources. While no US troops remain inside Venezuela, a substantial naval presence, including an aircraft carrier, remains off the coast.
Analysts warn that increasing Venezuelan oil production will be complex and costly, though the country holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Oil prices fell as investors assessed the geopolitical impact.
The US administration has maintained economic pressure on Venezuela, blockading oil tankers and threatening further military action. However, Washington indicated that its goal is Maduro’s removal, not full regime change, leaving the opposition sidelined.
The operation has drawn swift international criticism. China, Russia, and Iran condemned the seizure, demanding Maduro’s release. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro called it an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America, warning of potential humanitarian consequences.
The UN Security Council plans an emergency session at Venezuela’s request, while analysts continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation in the region.