According to Nivo News, deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been arraigned before a court in New York following his dramatic capture in Caracas, marking a major escalation in the political and diplomatic crisis surrounding the South American nation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Maduro, 63, was escorted into the courthouse under tight security on Monday, arriving by helicopter and armoured convoy amid the presence of heavily armed United States law enforcement officers. He is facing long-standing narcotics trafficking charges that Washington has repeatedly linked to his administration over the years.

The court appearance comes just days after Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized during a surprise United States military operation in the Venezuelan capital. The operation reportedly involved helicopters, fighter aircraft and naval assets, bringing months of mounting pressure on the former leader to a dramatic climax.

The arrest has intensified global uncertainty over Venezuela’s future, particularly given its vast oil reserves. US authorities have long accused Maduro of running a narco-state and undermining democratic institutions, allegations his government had consistently denied prior to his removal from power.

As events unfolded, Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, appeared to soften her earlier defiant posture by signaling a willingness to engage Washington in talks, calling for cooperation on a future agenda. The Venezuelan military subsequently announced its recognition of Rodríguez’s interim leadership and urged citizens to remain calm amid heightened tensions.

Despite the leadership transition, pro-Maduro demonstrations erupted in Caracas, with hundreds of supporters taking to the streets in defiance. Some protesters, including armed motorcycle riders, waved national flags and chanted slogans in support of the former president. While no official casualty figures have been released, Venezuela’s Defence Minister alleged that members of Maduro’s security detail, military personnel and civilians were killed during the operation.

US President Donald Trump further stirred controversy by declaring that Washington was now effectively in control of Venezuela, stating that the United States required full access to the country’s resources, including its oil sector, to support rebuilding efforts. Analysts have warned, however, that reviving Venezuela’s oil industry would be a complex and costly process after years of sanctions and infrastructure decay.

Although no confirmed US ground troops are believed to remain inside Venezuela, American naval forces, including an aircraft carrier, continue to maintain a strong presence off the country’s coast. The US administration has also indicated it retains economic leverage through restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports and has not ruled out additional military measures.

International reactions have been swift and sharply divided. China and Iran condemned the operation and called for Maduro’s immediate release, while Cuba claimed that dozens of its nationals were killed during the assault. Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the intervention as an attack on regional sovereignty and warned of potential humanitarian consequences.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia said the US action did not go far enough, insisting that the release of political prisoners and recognition of the 2024 election results were essential steps toward resolving the country’s crisis.

In response to the unfolding situation, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene an emergency session following a formal request by Venezuela.