01/04/2026
Following a military operation in Venezuela, the United States has released images and videos showing President Nicolás Maduro in handcuffs after being brought to New York to face criminal charges.
Here are the key details
· First Official Image: President Donald Trump shared a photo of a blindfolded and handcuffed Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. warship.
· Videos in Custody: Subsequent videos showed Maduro handcuffed, escorted by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents in New York, and wishing officials a "Happy New Year".
The Operation & Transfer
· Mission "Absolute Resolve": U.S. forces captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a pre-dawn raid at his Caracas compound. The operation involved elite units and extensive planning.
· Complex Journey: After capture, they were flown to the USS Iwo Jima, then to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, before finally arriving at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York.
· Final Destination: From New York, they were taken to the DEA office for processing and then to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn to await trial.
Context & Charges
· Legal Basis: The U.S. Attorney General confirmed Maduro and Flores face federal indictments in New York for charges including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import co***ne.
· U.S. Intentions: President Trump stated the U.S. will "run" Venezuela until a transition can be arranged and will take control of the country's oil reserves.
Immediate Aftermath & Reactions
· Venezuela's Response: Venezuela declared a "serious military aggression" and a national emergency. The Supreme Court named Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president.
· Global Reaction: Responses are sharply divided. The UK government was supportive, while Russia and China strongly condemned the action. The UN Secretary-General expressed alarm.
· Domestic U.S. Politics: The operation has sparked controversy, with Democratic lawmakers accusing the administration of misleading Congress and planning an emergency meeting.
What Happens Next?
· Legal Proceedings: Maduro and Flores are expected to be formally arraigned in a Manhattan federal court, possibly as early as Monday.
· Detention Conditions: They will be held at the MDC in Brooklyn, a facility known for housing high-profile inmates but also criticized for its harsh conditions.
· Political Uncertainty: The U.S. plan to manage Venezuela's transition is unclear, with questions about working with the opposition or the interim government. ゚viralシfypシ゚viralシalシ