A U.S. military operation has led too the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on charges of drug trafficking and terrorism, triggering an international crisis. The intervention, involving a large-scale deployment of U.S. forces, has resulted in reported casualties and the appointment of Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. This unprecedented action is drawing condemnation from key Venezuelan allies-China, Russia, and iran-while also exposing deep divisions among Western nations and within the U.S. political landscape.
updated 11:32 AM
China Demands Maduro’s Release
Table of Contents
- China Demands Maduro’s Release
- Mexico and Brazil Express Concern Over Latin American Stability
- Rodríguez Appointed as Interim President
- Maduro Transferred to New York Detention Facility – Faces Drug Trafficking and Terrorism Charges
- Report: At Least 40 Deaths in U.S. Strike
- Trump Announces U.S. Administration of Venezuela
- U.S. Democrats Accuse Trump of Lying
- Western Nations Call for Orderly Transition – Criticism from China, Russia, and Iran
- Further Information
China has called for the immediate release of Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife, stating that the situation must be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. The Chinese Foreign Ministry asserted that the U.S. government’s actions violate international law. Russia and Iran also condemned the U.S. military operation, as all three nations are allies of Venezuela.
Mexico and Brazil Express Concern Over Latin American Stability
Mexican President Sheinbaum condemned the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. The country’s Foreign Ministry warned that any form of military action seriously jeopardizes regional stability. Sheinbaum had previously offered to mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela.
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva denounced the U.S. military operation as a grave violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. “The bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president exceed the limits of what is acceptable,” Lula stated on X, adding that they threaten peace in the region. The U.S. bombardments, he said, “recall the worst moments of interference in the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Rodríguez Appointed as Interim President
Following Maduro’s arrest, his Vice President Rodríguez has been appointed as interim president by a Venezuelan court. The country’s constitution provides for this step until new elections can be held in the event of a presidential vacancy. Rodríguez previously demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, calling him “the only president of the country.” She described the U.S. attack as a violation of the United Nations Charter and ruled out any cooperation with the United States, stating that Venezuela will “never be a colony of another nation.”
Maduro Transferred to New York Detention Facility – Faces Drug Trafficking and Terrorism Charges
President Maduro has arrived at a detention facility in New York after being taken into custody in Venezuela. A video released by the White House shows Maduro being escorted in handcuffs by officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Reports indicate he will be held in a facility in Brooklyn while awaiting trial. Maduro and his wife are expected to be prosecuted on charges of drug trafficking and terrorism, according to Justice Minister Bondi.
Report: At Least 40 Deaths in U.S. Strike
The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela overnight Friday, targeting locations and capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. officials said the operation involved more than 150 bombers, fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, helicopters, and drones. According to a high-ranking Venezuelan official who spoke with the New York Times, at least 40 people were killed in the U.S. strike. Official casualty figures have not yet been released. In recent months, Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuela of actively promoting drug smuggling into the United States.
Trump Announces U.S. Administration of Venezuela
U.S. Democrats Accuse Trump of Lying
U.S. Democrats are accusing Trump of misleading Congress regarding the Venezuela plans. Senator Shaheen said that during conversations with members of Congress, Trump’s administration repeatedly denied seeking a regime change in Venezuela. The leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee stated that the administration had misled the public and its elected representatives. Democratic Representative Beyer of Virginia called the operation an illegal war launched for regime change and oil, while New York City Mayor Mamdani also described the military intervention as a violation of the law.
Western Nations Call for Orderly Transition – Criticism from China, Russia, and Iran
The UN Security Council in New York has scheduled an emergency session for Monday, requested by Colombia. EU High Representative Kallas called for restraint and respect for international law. Commission President von der Leyen stated that the EU stands with the people of Venezuela and supports a peaceful, democratic transition.
China has called on the United States to immediately release Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife and to resolve the situation through dialogue and negotiation. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the U.S. government’s actions violate international law. Earlier, the Chinese government criticized the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, expressing “deep shock” at the “flagrant use of force” against a sovereign state and its president, and strongly condemning it, according to a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry cited by the state-run Xinhua news agency. Russia and Iran also condemned the U.S. military operation. The three countries are allies of Venezuela.
Further Information
This news was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on January 4, 2026.
