Maduro indicted in New York on drugs and weapons charges – US attorney general
US Attorney General Pam Bondi says that Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York.
Maduro, she says, has been charged with “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States”.
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” Bondi adds but does not say what his wife has been charged with.
“A huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers,” she adds.
UK not involved in US strikes on Venezuela, Starmer says
Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK was not “involved in any way” in the US operation in Venezuela, but he is seeking more information before commenting on it.
Starmer says he has not spoken to President Trump about the US’s capturing of President Nicolas Maduro.
“No I haven’t and it is obviously a fast moving situation and we need to establish all the facts”, he said in remarks recorded for UK broadcasters.
The prime minister added “what I can say is that the UK was not involved in any way in this operation”.
Asked if he would condemn the action as number of UK MPs, some from Labour’s left and some independents, already have, Starmer said “I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies. As I say I can be absolutely clear we were not involved in that”.
He went on “as you know, I always say and believe we should uphold international law.
But I think at this stage, fast moving situation, let’s establish the facts and take it from there”.
Commenting on the implications for UK citizens in the South American country Starmer said “there’s about five hundred there in Venezuela, and we are working with the embassy to make sure they are well looked-after, safeguarded and get appropriate advice, and we are working at pace with the embassy on that. It is a small number, but it is an important number, so that is what we are doing there”.
The big question now is who will be in charge in Venezuela
If it is confirmed that Nicholas Maduro has been detained and taken out of the country, attention will turn to who will govern Venezuela next.
Apparently, there will be no further attacks, and Donald Trump would consider himself satisfied with having removed Maduro. But that raises the question: will Chavismo remain in power without Maduro?
If that happens, there are three figures to watch closely: Vice President Delcy Rodríguez; Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello; and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.
All three appeared on television hours after the attack and could assume leadership.
Both Padrino and Cabello wield significant influence within the military, which could remain loyal to either figure. The role of the armed forces will be key in determining who takes the reins.
Rodríguez, by contrast, holds greater civilian and economic power and does not have the same access to the military ranks as Cabello and Padrino.
The other major unknown is what the opposition, led by María Corina Machado, will do. After claiming victory in the July 2024 elections, the opposition is demanding real political change and may not be satisfied with Maduro’s removal from the presidential palace alone.
Whole region holds its breath as Colombian president deploys forces
After a national security council meeting that began at 03:00 local time (08:00 GMT), Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the deployment of public forces along the Venezuelan border.
From Bogotá, preparations are under way for a possible massive influx of Venezuelan refugees following the US attacks in Caracas and other areas of the country.
The region holds its breath amid further reports of the alleged capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as announced by President Donald Trump.
Petro has repeatedly called for peace and dialogue since the first explosions were reported in Caracas.
Colombia and Venezuela share more than 2,000 km of land border – and throughout history, economic and security crises in both nations have driven millions to seek refuge on either side.
It is an unprecedented moment for Venezuela that will have direct consequences in more countries – Colombia is on the front line.
What we know, and what we don’t
What we know
- Donald Trump says the US launched a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela
- He adds Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, have been captured and “flown out of the country”
- The US army’s Delta Force carried out the operation to capture Maduro, officials tell the BBC’s US partner CBS News
- Venezuela has announced a state of national emergency and said it rejects and denounces “military aggression”
- United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio anticipates no further action against Venezuela, says Republican Senator Mike Lee
What we don’t know
- Where President Maduro and his wife are
- If there are any deaths or casualties caused by the strikes
- The extent of any damage to parts of Venezuela following the attack
- How many strikes and their locations – we’ll bring you more on that shortly
Rubio says Maduro to stand trial in US and anticipates no further action in Venezuela – US senator
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio anticipates no further action against Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, says a Republican senator.
Mike Lee confirmed Venezuelan President Maduro’s arrest, to stand trial on criminal charges in the US, following a phone call with Rubio.
“He [Rubio] anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody,” says Senator Lee.
Lee adds that the US strikes were “deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant”.
Earlier, Lee said in a post on X: “I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force.”
All armed forces will be deployed, says Venezuelan defence minister
Venezuela’s Defence Minister has announced an immediate deployment of military forces across the country.
Speaking in Spanish in a video address, Vladimir Padrino López called for a united front of resistance in the face of “the worst aggression” ever against Venezuela, adding that Venezuela was following “Maduro’s orders” that all armed forces will be deployed.
“They’ve attacked us but they will not subdue us,” says the defence minister.
Venezuela’s Vice President demands proof of life, as Maduro’s whereabouts unknown
enezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez says the government does not know the whereabouts of President Maduro or the First Lady Cilia Flores.
She added that the government demanded “immediate proof of life” for them both.
Venezuela investigating deaths and injuries following strikes – defence minister
There are still lots of unknowns about this morning’s strikes.
What damage was done to the military infrastructure hit? And what casualties are there?
Venezuela’s defence minister Vladimir Padrino has said that the government is compiling information about the dead and injured people and alleged that the strikes hit civilian areas.
He added that Venezuela will “resist” the presence of foreign troops.
SOURCE: BBC NEWS
