Deposed Venezuelan President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro has pleaded not guilty to US charges including narco-terrorism, appearing before a federal court in New York just days after being taken into US custody during a dramatic operation in Caracas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maduro, 63, told a judge in Manhattan that he was forcibly removed from Venezuela and denied all allegations against him. According to US media reports, he stated that he remains the legitimate president of his country and insisted he is innocent. His wife, Cilia Flores, who was detained alongside him, also entered a plea of not guilty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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US officials say Maduro was taken into custody during a coordinated operation carried out early Saturday, supported by naval and air assets. The Trump administration has since confirmed that the operation has concluded and that Maduro will face trial in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that Washington is now overseeing Venezuela\u2019s transitional administration, stating that the US intends to play a central role in stabilizing the country and reviving its oil industry. Venezuela holds the world\u2019s largest proven oil reserves, though years of sanctions, economic mismanagement, and aging infrastructure have significantly reduced production capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The developments have triggered strong international reactions. United Nations Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres called an emergency Security Council meeting, urging respect for national sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. Several regional leaders also voiced concern, warning against foreign intervention in Latin America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Venezuela, reactions have been sharply divided. Supporters of Maduro gathered in Caracas over the weekend, waving flags and expressing loyalty to the former leader. Lawmakers aligned with his party echoed similar sentiments in parliament. At the same time, other Venezuelans, particularly those living abroad, welcomed the change, expressing hope for political and economic reform after years of instability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Trump administration has signaled that it is open to working with elements of Venezuela\u2019s existing government structure. Interim leader Delcy Rodr\u00edguez, formerly vice president under Maduro, said she is prepared to cooperate with US authorities during the transition period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked about US priorities in Venezuela, President Trump emphasized access to the country\u2019s energy resources, saying economic engagement would be key to rebuilding efforts. Following the announcement, shares of several major US oil companies rose in early trading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, security remains tense in the region. The US has confirmed a significant naval presence in the Caribbean, though officials say there are currently no American ground forces operating inside Venezuela. Cuban authorities reported casualties during the Caracas operation, while US officials acknowledged injuries among their personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside the New York courthouse, demonstrators gathered both in protest and in support of the US action. Opinions remain deeply divided, reflecting broader debates about foreign intervention, national sovereignty, and the future of Venezuela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Maduro\u2019s legal proceedings begin, Venezuela\u2019s approximately 30 million citizens face continued uncertainty about the country\u2019s political direction, economic recovery, and long-term stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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