The United States has formally announced drug trafficking and terrorism charges against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, escalating legal pressure following President Donald Trump's declaration of his capture alongside his wife. These indictments revive longstanding accusations linking Maduro to narco-terrorism networks, including the Cartel de los Soles and Tren de Aragua gang, as part of broader U.S. efforts to dismantle Venezuela's criminal leadership.
A U.S. Justice Department statement details charges of conspiring to flood America with cocaine, using drug proceeds to fund terrorism, and orchestrating attacks via proxies like Colombian FARC dissidents. Prosecutors cite a $50 million bounty on Maduro since 2020, now activated post-capture, with allegations spanning 2014-2024 including oil tanker seizures and boat strikes. Maduro faces life imprisonment if convicted, marking the first sitting Latin American leader indicted on such counts.
The charges coincide with Trump's Truth Social post claiming U.S. forces executed strikes in Caracas and extracted Maduro early Saturday, amid explosions in multiple states. This follows disputed 2024 Venezuelan elections and regional gang crackdowns, positioning the move as justice for American lives lost to fentanyl precursors traced to Maduro's regime.
Maduro's government brands the charges and operation "imperialist aggression," vowing retaliation while denying narco-ties; allies like Russia and Cuba echo sovereignty claims. U.S. officials prepare extradition, with a Mar-a-Lago briefing set for 11 a.m. EST to outline next steps. Markets watch oil prices amid potential regime vacuum risks.