First official visuals of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in U.S. custody have emerged, showing him handcuffed and escorted by armed personnel inside the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) headquarters in New York City. The images were released hours after Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured during a dramatic U.S. military operation in Venezuela and flown to the United States.
Visuals Released After Military Operation
The video, shared by official U.S. government channels, shows Maduro being “perp walked” through a secured hallway at the DEA office, flanked by uniformed personnel. His wife, Cilia Flores, was also taken into custody during the same operation, though she does not appear in the released footage.
According to U.S. officials, the couple was transferred to New York following coordinated air raids and a rapid extraction operation carried out overnight.
Charges Filed in New York
Maduro and Flores are expected to be held in federal custody as they face criminal charges in the Southern District of New York. The U.S. Justice Department has accused them of involvement in narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and possession of prohibited weapons.
Authorities have stated that the case is linked to long-standing investigations into alleged drug trafficking networks with international reach.
Operation Planned for Months
U.S. officials revealed that the military action, codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” had been planned and rehearsed for several months. Once initiated, the operation reportedly concluded in under 30 minutes.
Officials described the mission as “precise and decisive,” claiming it effectively ended Maduro’s rule within hours of execution.
Trump Says U.S. Will Oversee Transition
Speaking after the operation, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would temporarily oversee Venezuela’s administration until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” is achieved.
Trump also stated that Venezuela’s vast oil reserves would be managed and sold internationally during the interim period, a remark that has drawn global scrutiny.
Venezuela Appoints Acting President
Hours after Maduro’s capture, Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president. The court cited the need to ensure administrative continuity and national defence.
The ruling stated that further deliberations would determine the legal framework required to maintain state functions during what it described as the “forced absence” of the president.
International and Legal Reactions
The visuals and circumstances of Maduro’s detention have sparked intense debate over sovereignty, international law, and the legality of unilateral military interventions. Critics argue the move sets a dangerous precedent, while supporters claim it enforces accountability.
Governments and analysts worldwide are closely watching the developments for their broader geopolitical implications.
India Monitoring Global Fallout
Indian strategic and diplomatic observers are assessing the situation’s potential impact on global stability and international norms. Official reactions are expected through multilateral forums and diplomatic channels.
