Maduro Brought to New York Court After US Capture; Global Backlash Grows

Venezuela’s ousted leader Nicolas Maduro has been brought to the New York Federal Courthouse ahead of his appearance before a judge later on Monday. This will mark his first public appearance since a US-led raid in Caracas on Saturday that resulted in his capture. Meanwhile, his successor, Delcy Rodríguez, has indicated her willingness to cooperate with the United States.

Maduro and his wife were taken into custody by US forces during the operation and flown to New York City, where he is set to face criminal charges. US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a power transition is completed.

“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” Trump said.

Following Maduro’s capture, Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president. The court said it would further deliberate to “determine the applicable legal framework to guarantee the continuity of the State, the administration of government, and the defence of sovereignty in the face of the forced absence of the President of the Republic,” according to Reuters.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday warned he would “take up arms” in response to threats from Trump. A former guerrilla, Petro wrote on X: “I swore not to touch a weapon again… but for the homeland I will take up arms again.”

Global condemnation of US operation

The US military action in Venezuela has drawn sharp criticism from several countries, including China and Russia, which condemned the operation and voiced support for Venezuela.

China said it was “deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the US against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country.”

Russia’s foreign ministry described the US move as “an act of armed aggression against Venezuela,” calling it “deeply concerning and condemnable.”
“In the current situation, it is important, first and foremost, to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue,” the ministry said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also criticised the action, saying: “The bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line. These acts represent a grave affront to Venezuela’s sovereignty and yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community.”

India expresses concern

India reacted to the US action by expressing “deep concern” and urging restraint.

“India reaffirms its support for the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability in the region,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.