By Gloria Nosa
International tension escalated on Saturday after United States President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro had been taken into American custody and would be transferred to New York to face criminal charges.
Trump made the claim during a media interview from Florida, saying US forces had removed Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from Venezuela during a military operation and transported them offshore before their planned transfer to the United States.
“They were airlifted out and moved to a secure location,” Trump said, adding that the couple would be flown to New York to answer federal indictments.
Washington Signals Role in Venezuela’s Future
Beyond the arrest claim, Trump suggested that Washington intends to play a decisive role in determining Venezuela’s political direction following Maduro’s removal.
“We will be deeply involved in ensuring freedom and stability,” Trump said, stressing that the US would not allow a power vacuum or permit a successor aligned with the former leadership to take control.
Earlier statements from the White House indicated that the operation followed overnight airstrikes targeting multiple locations across Venezuela, including the capital, Caracas.
Caracas Demands Proof of Life
Venezuelan authorities rejected Washington’s account, describing the operation as a severe violation of national sovereignty. Senior government officials said they had no confirmation of Maduro’s whereabouts.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government was demanding immediate evidence that Maduro and his wife were alive, accusing the United States of withholding critical information.
“This is an extremely serious situation,” she said in a televised address, calling for international intervention to establish the facts.
US Defends Action, Cites Drug Charges
US Vice President JD Vance defended the operation, arguing that Maduro had repeatedly ignored opportunities to de-escalate tensions.
In a statement posted online, Vance said the administration’s actions were tied to longstanding drug-trafficking allegations against the Venezuelan leader.
“No one is above the law,” he said. “Living in a presidential palace does not grant immunity from justice.”
Venezuela has consistently denied the accusations, insisting the charges are politically motivated and tied to the country’s vast oil reserves.
World Leaders React as Diplomacy Strains
The announcement triggered swift and divided reactions across the globe.
The European Union urged calm, calling on all sides to respect international law and avoid further escalation. While reiterating concerns over Maduro’s legitimacy, EU officials stressed that military intervention must not replace diplomatic solutions.
Spain offered to mediate, saying dialogue remained the only path to a peaceful and democratic resolution.
In South America, Chile criticised the US action, warning that military force risked destabilising the region. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva went further, calling the operation an unacceptable breach of sovereignty and urging the United Nations to take decisive action.
Colombia moved to reinforce security along its border with Venezuela, with President Gustavo Petro warning that the situation could trigger a humanitarian crisis.
Russia, China, Turkey Voice Alarm
Russia condemned the operation as armed aggression and demanded immediate clarification regarding Maduro’s fate. Moscow said it was “deeply alarmed” by reports that the Venezuelan president had been forcibly removed.
Turkey called for restraint, cautioning that the situation could spiral into a broader international crisis.
China issued a security advisory to its citizens in Venezuela, urging them to avoid sensitive locations and limit travel.
UK Distances Itself, Updates Travel Warning
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK was not involved in the operation and emphasised the need to uphold international law. He confirmed that the government’s priority was protecting British nationals in Venezuela.
The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advisory, warning against all travel to the country as the situation continued to evolve.
Uncertainty Persists
As of Saturday evening, there was still no independent verification of Maduro’s location or condition. Trump said he would provide further details during a formal press briefing later in the day.
With diplomatic pressure mounting and facts still contested, the unfolding crisis has placed Venezuela at the centre of one of the most volatile geopolitical confrontations in recent years.
