Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
The U. S. carried out a military operation early Saturday morning, capturing Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro. This action ended months of pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration and received criticism from some global leaders. Maduro was reportedly on a warship headed for New York to face criminal charges.
U. S. forces seized Maduro, whom many consider an illegitimate leader, along with his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump has been calling for Maduro to step down, accusing him of supporting drug cartels linked to thousands of U. S. overdose deaths. Since September, the U. S. had conducted numerous strikes against Venezuelan drug trafficking boats, resulting in over 100 deaths, which some legal experts argue likely broke both U. S. and international laws.
The U. S. justified the operation by stating it sought military assistance to arrest Maduro, who had been indicted by a New York grand jury on various charges related to terrorism, drugs, and weapons. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on social media that the defendants, including Maduro, would soon face justice in U. S. courts. However, Trump accused Venezuela of robbing U. S. oil interests and indicated plans for U. S. control over Venezuela, without giving specific details.
Legal experts noted the Trump administration created confusion by claiming the operation was both a law enforcement activity and a step towards U. S. governance of Venezuela. Critics argue that it is contradictory to claim a law enforcement purpose while also suggesting long-term U. S. control.
Legally, Congress has the authority to declare war while the president serves as the military leader. Military actions are usually justified when limited in scope and in national interest. Trump’s Chief of Staff mentioned that any land activity in Venezuela would require Congress’s approval, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated Congress was not informed before the operation. International law permits force in limited situations, such as self-defense, but drug trafficking doesn’t meet the criteria for military response.
The U. S. has not acknowledged Maduro’s authority since 2019, claiming that the last election was rigged. Historically, the U. S. has captured criminals abroad, but typically with local consent. The capture of General Manuel Noriega in Panama in 1989 is a notable precedent. Legal experts believe the likelihood of accountability for the U. S.’s actions in Venezuela is low due to insufficient enforcement mechanisms in international law.
