Overview
- Maduro is in U.S. federal custody in New York for a first court appearance on an expanded indictment alleging narcoterrorism, cocaine import conspiracy, and weapons offenses; his wife, Cilia Flores, is also charged.
- The Venezuelan Supreme Court declared Maduro in forced absence and named Vice President Delcy Rodríguez acting president, even as she publicly insists Maduro remains the country’s sole legitimate leader and demands his immediate release and a proof of life.
- President Donald Trump says the United States is “in charge” of the situation and expects “full access” to Venezuela’s natural resources, with senior officials signaling leverage over Caracas and discussions about reopening the U.S. embassy.
- Local medical groups report at least 70 dead and 90 injured from the U.S. operation, while Cuba confirms 32 of its nationals were killed, figures that remain disputed.
- Venezuela decreed a state of emergency and activated militias as key power brokers like Vladimir Padrino López and Diosdado Cabello urge discipline, while regional governments and the EU voice concern over external control of resources and call for respect of sovereignty.