US attacks Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro brought to New York court in 1st appearance after capture by US Forces

Nicolas Maduro update: In a significant global event, Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro arrived at a New York court in a manner which has shocked the world. Days after US’s attack on the South American country, the South American leader was brought to a courthouse in New York escorted by heavily armed law enforcement officers. Notably, Nicolas Maduro, 63, faces narcotrafficking charges along with his wife, Cilia Flores, 69, who was forcibly taken out of Caracas in the recent US assault on the country.

In a matter of shock for the world, the South American leader was escorted by heavily armed law enforcement officers to a courthouse in New York, having been transported by helicopter and armored car, a report by AFP said.

What is Trump administration planning in Venezuela?

The Trump administration framed the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as part of a broader effort to reassert US dominance in the Western Hemisphere and push back against the growing influence of China, Russia, and Iran in Latin America.

Notably, Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered the country’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, to serve as the acting president in the absence of Maduro.

Why did Doland Trump’s US attack Venezuela?

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said on Fox News that the operation sends a clear signal to global rivals that Washington will no longer tolerate hostile powers embedding themselves in the region.

“The Chinese are moving incredibly aggressively into the Western Hemisphere,” Waltz said in an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, citing investments in ports, railways, energy assets, and food supply chains.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that framing across multiple Sunday programs. On ABC News’ This Week, Rubio said the United States would no longer allow Latin America to be used as a base of operations for hostile actors.

(With inputs from agencies)