Breaking News: Dramatic Turn in Venezuela — Former President Maduro in U.S. Court, Interim Leader Takes Charge

 

In a stunning and highly controversial development, former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured during a U.S. military operation and is now facing federal charges in the United States, while Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has been sworn in as interim president amid regional and global reactions. CBS News+1

The U.S. operation, launched in early January 2026, involved elite forces and resulted in Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, being flown to New York, where they were detained and are expected to appear in federal court on drug trafficking and related charges. The dramatic raid, which struck infrastructure in Caracas and led to Maduro’s arrest, has shaken Venezuelan politics and sparked widespread international debate. CBS News+1

At a federal courthouse in Manhattan, Maduro pleaded not guilty to narcotics-related and weapons offenses, while security was heightened around the proceedings amid protests and counter-demonstrations. The case has drawn global attention and is expected to unfold over weeks as legal arguments proceed. CBS News+1

Meanwhile, Delcy Rodríguez — a longtime Maduro ally backed by the Venezuelan military and Supreme Court — assumed the presidency under constitutional provisions that allow temporary leadership. Her government has expressed willingness to engage with international partners, although legitimacy concerns remain, particularly among nations critical of U.S. actions. AP News

The capture has also triggered diplomatic reactions: the United Nations Security Council is reviewing the legality of the U.S. operation, and several countries have voiced opposition to foreign intervention in Venezuela’s internal affairs. Reuters

In addition to legal proceedings in the United States, Switzerland has frozen assets linked to Maduro and his associates as part of broader international pressure. Reuters

This historic turn of events has profound implications for Venezuela’s political future, its relations with the United States and other nations, and the broader balance of power in Latin America. Analysts say the situation remains volatile, with significant challenges ahead for the interim government and the country’s stability.

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Breaking: Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro is in U.S. custody and faces federal charges while interim president Delcy Rodríguez leads amid international scrutiny.

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