The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a pre-dawn military operation in Caracas, igniting a wave of international reactions and concerns over the legality of the action. US President Donald Trump announced the capture, stating that the US would "run" Venezuela until a stable transition is established. The operation has polarized opinions among US politicians and global leaders, raising questions about military intervention and sovereignty.

US Military Operation
On Saturday, US forces executed a large-scale assault in Caracas, resulting in the capture of Maduro and Flores. Trump confirmed their transfer to New York, where they will face charges stemming from a 2020 indictment, including narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. The President characterized Maduro as a dictator and a drug kingpin, emphasizing the need for US involvement in Venezuela's oil industry post-capture. The operation has been described as one of the most significant military actions in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.

Political Reactions in the US
The capture has prompted starkly divided responses from US politicians. Administration officials and Republican leaders celebrated the enforcement of the indictment, with US Attorney General Pam Bondi asserting that Maduro would face justice in the US. Conversely, Democrats criticized the military intervention, arguing it undermines Venezuela's sovereignty and sets a dangerous precedent for future international relations. Senator Mark Warner cautioned that such actions could lead to global chaos, allowing other nations to justify similar interventions.

International Response
The international community has reacted with alarm regarding the US operation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern, labeling the intervention as a dangerous precedent. In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the British government was not involved in the operation and emphasized the need to establish the facts surrounding the incident. Calls for condemnation of the US actions have emerged from various political figures, with concerns that such interventions could embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide.

Concerns of Legality
Critics of the operation highlight the potential violation of international law, arguing that unilateral military action without congressional approval or a UN mandate is problematic. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called the strikes illegal and warned that they could encourage other nations to act similarly. The debate continues over whether the end justifies the means, particularly in a case involving a leader widely regarded as a dictator.

Wrap-up
The capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a significant turning point in Venezuelan politics and US foreign policy, raising pressing questions about the legality and morality of military interventions. As the situation unfolds, the implications for both Venezuela and international relations remain to be seen.

Sources
theguardian.com
theguardian.com
theguardian.com
theguardian.com
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team