Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made headlines on Monday as he pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance in New York. The controversial leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in a nighttime U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which has sparked international attention.
Maduro, dressed in an orange shirt with a blue shirt over it, beige pants, and orange slippers, appeared before Judge Alvin Hellerstein in a federal courtroom. He confidently stated in Spanish, “I am not guilty, I am a decent man. I am still the president of my country.” Maduro also claimed he was “kidnapped” from his home during the operation.
The U.S. military operation, ordered by President Trump, involved a large-scale air strike on Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Maduro and Flores. Trump announced the successful capture on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that they had been flown out of the country.
Reports indicated that U.S. forces used an elaborate deception to gain access to Maduro’s heavily fortified compound. The operation was carried out by the U.S. elite special mission unit Delta Force, though specific details were not confirmed by Trump. A photo of a captured Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima was shared on Truth Social, showing him in restraints.
The capture of Maduro and Flores has sparked outrage and condemnation from Venezuelan officials, with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanding proof of their well-being. Democrats have also criticized Trump’s actions, with calls for Congressional intervention.
In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump described the operation as a complex and successful maneuver, praising the military personnel involved. He emphasized the speed and precision of the operation, highlighting the use of a “massive number” of aircraft.
The capture of Maduro marks a significant development in the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela. As the legal proceedings continue, the world watches closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds.
