Indonesia, 04 January 2025 — The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation in Caracas on January 3, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced, claiming the action was carried out to enforce criminal indictments against the Venezuelan leader.
According to U.S. officials, elite American forces conducted a targeted operation in the Venezuelan capital, detaining Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, before transporting them out of the country. Washington said the arrest was linked to long-standing U.S. federal charges, including allegations related to drug trafficking and organized crime, which have been denied by the Venezuelan government.
The operation marks a major escalation in U.S.–Venezuela relations and has immediately raised questions over its legal basis under international law. U.S. authorities argued that the capture was justified as a law-enforcement action, citing existing criminal indictments issued by a federal court in New York.
However, international law experts have challenged this justification. Legal analysts note that under the United Nations Charter, the use of military force on the territory of another sovereign state is prohibited unless authorized by the UN Security Council or carried out in self-defense. Criminal charges alone, they argue, do not provide sufficient legal grounds for a unilateral military operation without the consent of the affected state.
The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the U.S. action, calling it a violation of national sovereignty and an act of foreign aggression. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that Maduro remains the legitimate president of Venezuela and rejected the legality of his detention. She said the government would seek international support to challenge the U.S. operation.
Local media in Caracas reported explosions and military activity in parts of the capital during the operation, causing fear among residents and disrupting daily life.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from the international community. Several countries expressed concern over the precedent set by the capture of a sitting head of state through military force, warning that it could undermine international legal norms. Others called for restraint and urged all parties to resolve disputes through diplomatic and legal channels.
The capture of President Maduro has plunged Venezuela into political uncertainty. Analysts say the coming days will be critical in determining the country’s leadership structure and the broader regional impact of the operation. International organizations are expected to closely monitor developments as legal and diplomatic challenges continue to unfold.
sources: https://www.metrotvnews.com/read/KYVCeYLM-as-tangkap-presiden-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-seberapa-kuat-dasar-hukumnya
https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/c4g4v7zyjnjo
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