Former Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro was spotted arriving in New York in handcuffs after landing, facing charges related to narco-terrorism, cocaine-importation, and weapons offenses. Upon landing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, approximately 60 miles north of New York City, Maduro was to be transported to Manhattan’s West Side heliport before being handed over to DEA officials.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized Maduro’s apprehension as an ‘act of war’. Maduro, accompanied by a significant number of federal officers, appeared in grey attire and restraints.
Maduro’s arrival in New York followed his and his spouse, Cilia Flores, being captured in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital. CNN reported that the couple was forcefully taken from their residence, with the operation delayed for four days due to adverse weather conditions.
President Trump, speaking on Fox and Friends, mentioned the delayed mission due to weather conditions, sharing that the sudden improvement prompted the operation. He described Maduro’s refuge in the capital as heavily guarded, akin to a fortress.
According to The New York Times, the U.S. operation resulted in 40 casualties, including civilians, raising concerns about its legality and drawing criticism from Trump’s opponents. The United Nations expressed deep alarm over the American strikes, suggesting potential violations of international law.
During a press briefing, President Trump outlined plans to repair Venezuela’s oil infrastructure and increase petroleum exports following Maduro’s arrest. In contrast, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanded Maduro’s release and return to Venezuela, portraying him as the legitimate leader.
Maduro is expected to be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a high-security facility, pending court proceedings. The facility has previously housed prominent individuals like Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and others. Moreover, Luigi Mangione, the suspected killer of the United Healthcare CEO, is currently incarcerated there.
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