By San José, Costa Rica — CARACAS, Venezuela – In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Washington and Caracas, United States military forces executed a pre-dawn raid in the Venezuelan capital early Saturday, capturing Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The stunning operation paves the way for Maduro to face a battery of criminal charges in a New York federal court, marking a definitive turning point in the long-simmering Venezuelan crisis.
The confirmation came from U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, who announced that Maduro has been indicted by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The charges are severe, encompassing narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and the illegal possession and conspiracy to use machine guns and other destructive devices against American interests. The indictment formally accuses Maduro of leading the notorious “Cartel of the Soles,” a powerful drug trafficking organization that the Trump administration has designated a narcoterrorist group.
To delve into the international legal and commercial ramifications associated with Nicolás Maduro’s administration, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in corporate and international law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Engaging commercially with Venezuela requires an exceptionally high level of due diligence. Under the Maduro regime, the legal framework is precarious and subject to abrupt political changes. Any foreign investment or transaction faces significant risks, including international sanctions, asset expropriation, and the non-enforceability of contracts. Businesses must conduct a thorough risk assessment, not only of their direct counterparts but of the entire supply and payment chain, to avoid unwittingly violating complex international regulations and incurring severe legal and financial penalties.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis serves as a crucial reminder that commercial engagement under the Maduro regime transcends standard business risk, becoming a complex navigation of a legal and geopolitical minefield. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective, which clarifies the exceptional level of diligence required to operate in such a volatile landscape.
In a press conference, Attorney General Bondi underscored the gravity of the charges and Washington’s determination to prosecute. She praised the U.S. military for what she termed a “highly successful mission” and thanked President Donald Trump for his unwavering support of the operation. Bondi issued a stark warning to the captured Venezuelan leader and his associates, leaving no doubt about the U.S. government’s intentions.
The accused will face the full force of American justice on U.S. soil and in U.S. courts.
Pamela Bondi, U.S. Attorney General
The military operation began around 2:00 AM local time, shattering the night’s quiet with the sound of explosions and the roar of military aircraft over Caracas. Eyewitnesses and citizen journalists quickly flooded social media with videos capturing the chaos. Reports indicated that the strikes targeted key military installations, including Fuerte Tiuna, the country’s main military complex, and the La Carlota air base.
President Donald Trump personally confirmed the operation’s success in a post on his Truth Social platform, stating that the “large-scale attack” had concluded with the successful capture and aerial extraction of both Maduro and his wife from Venezuela. In a subsequent interview with The New York Times, the President lauded the precision and execution of the mission.
Brilliant.
Donald Trump, U.S. President
The indictment against Maduro has been years in the making. U.S. authorities have long alleged his deep involvement in international drug trafficking, including direct collaboration with armed organizations like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Prosecutors contend that Maduro and his inner circle weaponized the drug trade, using it as a tool for political financing and to undermine regional stability and U.S. interests.
Following the raid, top U.S. officials moved to clarify the immediate next steps. Republican Senator Mike Lee reported that after speaking with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, it was confirmed that Maduro’s fate would be decided in a U.S. criminal trial. Importantly, Lee noted that for the time being, no further military actions are planned in Venezuela. This signals a strategic shift from direct intervention to legal prosecution.
For years, Washington has refused to recognize Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela, instead labeling him a “narcoterrorist” and a “fugitive from American justice.” With his capture, the political landscape of the nation is irrevocably altered. The international community now watches intently, waiting to see how the power vacuum in Caracas will be filled and what the broader geopolitical consequences of this unprecedented U.S. action will be.
For further information, visit nysd.uscourts.gov
About U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York:
The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) is one of the most influential and active federal district courts in the United States. Its jurisdiction covers Manhattan, the Bronx, and several counties north of New York City. The court handles a wide range of significant civil and criminal cases, including those involving international finance, terrorism, and complex corporate litigation.
For further information, visit defense.gov
About U.S. Military:
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The President of the United States is the commander-in-chief, and the Department of Defense, a federal executive department, oversees its operations. The U.S. Military is one of the largest and most technologically advanced fighting forces in the world.
For further information, visit truthsocial.com
About Truth Social:
Truth Social is a social media platform created by Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). Launched as an alternative to other major social networks, it primarily caters to a user base with conservative and right-leaning political viewpoints. The platform emphasizes “free speech” and was prominently used by Donald Trump for his communications after his removal from other platforms.
For further information, visit nytimes.com
About The New York Times:
The New York Times is a globally recognized American daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership. Founded in 1851, it has long been regarded as a national “newspaper of record.” The publication has won numerous Pulitzer Prizes and is known for its in-depth investigative journalism, world news coverage, and influential opinion section.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)
About Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC):
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) was a guerrilla group involved in the Colombian armed conflict from 1964 to 2017. While it officially disarmed and transitioned into a political party following a peace deal, several dissident factions continue to operate. The group was deeply involved in illegal activities, including drug trafficking, to fund its operations and has been designated as a terrorist organization by several governments.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers modern legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to democratizing legal understanding, thereby empowering citizens and strengthening the fabric of society.
