On Saturday, the United States announced that Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro faces drug trafficking and terrorism-related charges, following what President Donald Trump described as a major military operation against the South American nation.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in a post on X, stated that Maduro and his wife—who, according to Washington, were removed from Venezuela by the U.S. military—“will soon face the full force of American justice in U.S. courts.” Bondi noted that the couple is already facing charges in New York federal court, including “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy” and “Cocaine Importation Conspiracy.”
Trump, on his Truth Social account, confirmed that the U.S. military captured Maduro and transported him out of Venezuela. He said, “The United States has successfully executed a large-scale operation against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who, along with his wife, has been captured and flown out of the country.”
The U.S. president added that the mission was conducted in coordination with law enforcement agencies. “This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement,” he said.
Trump also announced that he would provide more details during a news conference at 11:00 a.m. (1600 GMT) at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
The announcement comes as Trump approaches the end of a two-week holiday break over Christmas and New Year. Additional information regarding the charges and the operation has not yet been released.
The development raises questions about whether the U.S. has the authority to arrest and prosecute a sitting president of another country. Readers are encouraged to share their views in the comments.
