In a dramatic escalation of tensions, United States forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a large-scale military operation in Caracas. The raid, which took place on Saturday, has plunged the South American nation into a state of national emergency and sparked a fierce international debate over its legality.
The Raid and Capture
US President Donald Trump announced that American troops executed a "large-scale strike" in Venezuela, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve. The pre-dawn attacks on January 3 targeted Caracas, resulting in significant casualties and widespread panic. At least 40 people were killed during the assault, which involved multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft.
A photo shared by Trump on his Truth Social platform showed a handcuffed Nicolas Maduro wearing a blacked-out mask. Following the capture, the White House released an old video clip on social media platform X, featuring Maduro daring Trump to "come get me." The post was accompanied by the message: "Nicolas Maduro had his chance — until he didn’t. The Trump Admin will always defend American citizens against all threats, foreign and domestic."
Charges and Legal Fallout
Maduro and his wife have been indicted in a New York court on serious charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi unsealed an indictment accusing the Venezuelan leader of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracies, and possession of machine guns. Trump has publicly accused Maduro of running a "narco terrorist organisation." These charges, combined with drug trafficking allegations, carry the potential for severe prison sentences.
However, the military intervention has faced sharp criticism from international law experts. Critics argue that the unilateral US strikes could violate the UN Charter and may be classified as a "crime of aggression," igniting a global debate on the operation's legitimacy.
India's Response and Call for Peace
As the situation remains tense, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Sunday expressing deep concern. The Indian government reiterated its support for the safety and well-being of the Venezuelan people.
"Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation," the MEA said. It further called upon all parties to address issues peacefully through dialogue, emphasising the need to ensure regional peace and stability. The Embassy of India in Caracas is actively in touch with the Indian community to provide necessary assistance.
The capture of a sitting head of state by foreign forces marks an unprecedented moment in modern geopolitics, with repercussions that will likely resonate across Latin America and the world for years to come.
