African Union Calls for Venezuelan-Led Dialogue After U.S. Operation and Indictments

Overview

• In a communiqué from Addis Ababa, the African Union urged inclusive political dialogue, restraint, and adherence to constitutional processes in Venezuela.
• U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on narco-terrorism and related charges.
• U.S. officials said Maduro and Flores were captured during a major military and law-enforcement operation, and President Trump stated they were transported for prosecution.
• Venezuelan authorities reported overnight air and missile strikes and declared a nationwide state of emergency, with circulating videos unverified by independent sources.
• Caracas condemned the action as a grave violation of the U.N. Charter and accused Washington of seeking control of strategic resources, while leaders in Colombia and Cuba pressed for urgent international responses.