US Capture of Maduro Sparks Global Condemnation and Uncertainty in Venezuela

The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces on Christmas Day has sparked a global outcry, with many countries condemning the move as a "crime of aggression." The US operation, ordered by President Donald Trump, has raised questions about the future of Venezuela and the implications for regional stability. Maduro, who was taken into custody by US forces, has pleaded not guilty to charges of drugs, weapons, and narco-terrorism. The arraignment hearing in federal court in Manhattan was brief, lasting barely 30 minutes, but the consequences of the US action are far-reaching. [1] As news of Maduro's capture spread, Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president in Caracas, according to Venezuelan state TV footage. [2] The move is seen as an attempt to maintain stability in the country, which has been plagued by economic crisis and political turmoil in recent years. However, the US action has been widely condemned by countries around the world, including Colombia, whose President Gustavo Petro rebuked Trump's threat of force against his country. [3] The Colombian defense minister emphasized that security cooperation with Washington continued, but the incident has raised concerns about the potential for further instability in the region. The US has claimed that it will "run" Venezuela following Maduro's capture, but it remains unclear what this means in practice. [4] The US has a history of intervention in Latin American countries, and many are wary of its intentions. Meanwhile, in rural Nigeria, a small town is grappling with the aftermath of a bombing ordered by President Trump on Christmas Day. [5] The incident has sparked fear among Muslims in the region, who are concerned about the potential for further violence. The international community has called for calm and restraint in the wake of Maduro's capture. The United Nations has condemned the US action as a "crime of aggression," and many countries have urged a peaceful resolution to the crisis. [1] As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the capture of Nicolas Maduro has marked a significant turning point in the country's history. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is certain – the world will be watching closely as events unfold. References: [1] The Guardian: Deposed Maduro pleads not guilty after capture in shock US attack on Venezuela [2] The Guardian: Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president [3] The New York Times: Trump’s Threat of Force Against Colombia Draws Rebuke From Its Leader [4] The Guardian: After the shock of Maduro’s capture, what’s next for Venezuela? [5] The New York Times: After Christmas Day Strikes, Fear Grips Muslims in Rural Nigeria