Washington (Parliament Politics Magazine) – US Attorney General Pam Bondi says President Maduro and his wife were indicted in New York on narco-terrorism charges as America launches strikes on Venezuela.
As reported by Diyar Guldogan of Anadolu Ajansı, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple charges, including narco-terrorism.
What did Pam Bondi say about Maduro and his wife’s indictment?
Commenting on President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, Pam Bondi said,
“Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicholas Maduro 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.”
Her comments came after US President Trump confirmed that the US carried out a large-scale strike in Venezuela, and that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and removed from the country.
Bondi added,
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”
What did Donald Trump say about the US strike on Venezuela and Maduro?
In a coordinated strike, US forces carried out attacks on 3 January. Explosions were reported across Caracas and the surrounding states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, hitting strategic military locations, including La Carlota airfield and Fuerte Tiuna.
President Trump said in a Truth Social post,
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.”
He confirmed the operation was carried out in coordination with US law enforcement and said more details would be announced at a press conference at 11 am (16:00 GMT) at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
Before the attack, US officials described Maduro’s government as a “narco-state” and accused him of rigging the 2024 election, which the opposition said they had won. The 63-year-old former bus driver, handpicked by Hugo Chávez in 2013, rejected the claims, insisting that Washington was targeting Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
What did Republican leaders say about Venezuelan strikes and Maduro’s capture?
Republican Senator Mike Lee said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expects no further action in Venezuela following Maduro’s arrest. He added that the president will face trial in the US after a phone call with Rubio.
He said,
“He [Rubio] anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody,” adding that the US attacks were “deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant.”
What did Venezuela’s defence minister say about the strikes?
Venezuela’s Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, confirmed that the military has been fully mobilized across the country. In a video address, he called for a united front to face “the worst aggression” in Venezuela’s history, saying all forces were acting under Maduro’s orders.
He said,
“They’ve attacked us but they will not subdue us.”
Padrino reported that the government is compiling information on casualties and claimed that the strikes targeted civilian areas. He added that the country would “resist” any foreign military presence.
How did the UK respond to the US operation in Venezuela?
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK was not “involved in any way” in the US operation in Venezuela. He stated that he is seeking further information and has not been in contact with President Trump regarding Maduro’s capture.
The Labour leader said,
“No I haven’t and it is obviously a fast moving situation and we need to establish all the facts.”
He added,
“What I can say is that the UK was not involved in any way in this operation.”
When asked whether he would respond to calls from some Labour MPs and independents, the Prime Minister 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 continued,
“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.”
Speaking about UK citizens in Venezuela, 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.”
Who could lead Venezuela if Maduro is removed?
If Nicolás Maduro’s arrest and removal from the country, attention will focus on three potential successors: Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino. All three appeared on television shortly after the attack and could emerge as leaders.
Both Padrino and Cabello have a strong influence within the military, which could align with either figure. The armed forces are expected to play a key role in determining who takes power. Rodríguez holds significant civilian and economic influence, though she lacks the military connections of Cabello and Padrino.
Why has Trump attacked Venezuela?
Washington accuses Nicolás Maduro of running a regime that supports drug trafficking into the US. The recent operation is described as part of efforts to fight drug cartels.
The US has criticized Venezuela’s government for authoritarianism, suppression of political opponents, and the destabilizing impact of migration. The Biden administration considers Maduro’s 2024 re-election illegitimate.
Experts say the US may be seeking to limit Russia’s influence in the region, maintain its own strategic position in Latin America, and secure access to Venezuela’s oil reserves.
