Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday to face charges of narcotrafficking and narco-terrorism, entering pleas of not guilty. Their court appearance came just two days after a dramatic US military operation seized them from their Caracas residence.
The raid, involving helicopters, fighter jets, and naval support, resulted in a deadly confrontation with Maduro’s security detail, with Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López confirming casualties among both security personnel and civilians. Maduro, 63, maintained he had been “kidnapped” and insisted, “I’m innocent, I’m not guilty,” while asserting he remains Venezuela’s legitimate president. Flores echoed the not-guilty plea.
Escorted by heavily armed officers via helicopter and armored transport, Maduro is expected to remain in New York detention pending his next hearing on March 17. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, softened her initial resistance to Washington, calling for cooperation with the US government on an agenda for the country’s recovery.
Supporters of Maduro rallied in Caracas on Sunday, waving flags and brandishing firearms in a display of loyalty. The Venezuelan military publicly recognized Rodriguez’s interim leadership and urged calm across the nation.
The US government has emphasized control over Venezuela’s oil reserves, with former President Trump stating the need for “total access” to oil and other resources to help rebuild the country. The intervention has raised concerns over the potential for increased oil supply and its effect on global markets, although analysts caution that boosting production will be costly and complex.
International reactions to the US operation have been swift. China, Russia, and Iran condemned the raid and demanded Maduro’s release, labeling it a breach of international law. Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the operation as an assault on Latin American sovereignty and warned it could trigger a humanitarian crisis.
While the White House clarified that regime change was not its objective, US officials appear focused on removing Maduro while leaving the possibility of a government composed of his former allies. Maduro, a protégé of Hugo Chavez, had maintained a firm hold on power alongside key figures including Flores, Rodriguez, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello until his capture.
The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency session at Venezuela’s request, as the international community watches closely amid rising tensions in South America.
