Maduro's arrest: Details of the US operation and global reactions

In a dramatic development that shook the international political landscape, US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that US forces had successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, following a large-scale military operation targeting the capital, Caracas, and its suburbs. This event sparked a wave of mixed international reactions, ranging from support to condemnation, amid fears of serious geopolitical repercussions.

Details of the military operation and arrest

President Trump confirmed that the operation involved airstrikes that rocked the Venezuelan capital at midnight, followed by an airborne assault that extracted Maduro and his wife from their hiding place. Military helicopters then transported them to a U.S. Navy ship, from where they were to be taken to New York to face federal charges. Meanwhile, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded that Washington provide proof that the president and his wife were still alive, amid the uncertainty that prevailed in the initial hours.

Context of the conflict and historical background

This event is not a spontaneous occurrence, but rather the culmination of years of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. The United States has long considered the Maduro regime illegitimate, accusing it of human rights abuses and involvement in drug trafficking, which previously led the US Department of Justice to file formal charges against him. This operation comes amidst a crippling economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, a country with the world's largest oil reserves, giving this move dimensions that extend beyond politics to encompass energy issues and the global economy.

Reactions in Latin America

The operation caused a sharp division in Latin America:

• Venezuelan opposition: Maria Corina Machado welcomed the operation, describing it as a “moment of freedom,” and called for power to be handed over to opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez.
• Colombia: It took a cautious stance by deploying troops to the border, while President Gustavo Petro called for an urgent UN meeting to discuss the “legitimacy of the aggression.”
• Brazil and Mexico: Brazilian President Lula da Silva strongly condemned the attack, considering it a threat to regional peace, a position adopted by Mexico, which warned of destabilizing the region.

Major international positions

Internationally, positions varied starkly:

• Russia and China: The two countries formed a united front in condemning the operation, with Moscow describing the attack as “armed aggression” and demanding the immediate release of Maduro, while Beijing considered the action a flagrant violation of international law and state sovereignty.
• The United Nations and Europe: UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep concern, describing the arrest as a “dangerous precedent.” In Europe, Britain distanced itself from the operation, France called for respect for sovereignty, and Spain offered to mediate. In contrast, Italy’s position was notable, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defending the operation as part of “the fight against regimes that support drug trafficking.”

Expected repercussions

This event is expected to cast a shadow over global oil markets given Venezuela's position within OPEC, as well as the potential for a worsening refugee crisis in neighboring countries should internal unrest erupt. This military action also puts the principles of international law and diplomatic relations to the test, potentially ushering in a new era of international polarization.