Overview
- Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are in U.S. custody in New York on narcotics-related charges, with Maduro expected in Manhattan federal court on Monday.
- Rubio said the U.S. will enforce an existing oil blockade and tanker seizures to press for policy changes, framing the mission as counter–drug trafficking while leaving open further military options.
- Venezuela’s military recognized Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president, and Rubio said the U.S. will judge current authorities by their actions, calling new election questions premature.
- Democratic leaders questioned the legality and lack of congressional authorization, while Cuba’s foreign minister condemned the U.S. operation as resource-driven and Rubio warned Havana’s leadership to be concerned.
- The capture followed months of U.S. pressure that included interdictions of sanctioned oil shipments, strikes on suspected drug boats, and a regional military buildup.