US Captures Nicolás Maduro, Seizes Venezuela

The United States, under President Donald Trump, launched a controversial intervention in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who are now awaiting trial in New York on drug charges. This action has plunged Venezuela into deep uncertainty, with top officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, condemning the move as a kidnapping and asserting national unity behind Maduro. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed interim leadership, though she maintains Maduro remains president. The US has stated its intention to take control of Venezuela, citing interests in its vast oil resources and combating drug trafficking, a claim that Venezuelan officials, like Diosdado Cabello, view as a pretext for seizing their oil. The US has also imposed a blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers, leading to export paralysis for PDVSA and forcing production cuts. The intervention has drawn international criticism from countries like Russia and China, and raised questions about the legality of seizing a foreign head of state and the potential for an 'endless war,' as voiced by US Senator Chuck Schumer. The International — United Nations Security Council is scheduled to discuss the US attack, which Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described as a dangerous precedent. The situation has further exacerbated Venezuela's already struggling economy, leading to muted public reactions and concerns among citizens about food security.