‘Act of war, violation of international law’: NYC Mayor Mamdani condemns US capture of Venezuela’s President

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly criticised the United States’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, calling it an “act of war” and a “violation of international law.”

In a post on X, Mamdani said he had been briefed on the US military operation that led to the arrest of the Venezuelan leader and his wife in Caracas, and their subsequent transfer for imprisonment in federal custody in New York City. He said that the move could have far-reaching consequences, including for Venezuelans living in the US.

Advertisement

“I was briefed this morning on the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, as well as their planned imprisonment in federal custody here in New York City. Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” Mamdani said.

The New York City mayor added that the action amounted to a “blatant pursuit of regime change” and stressed that its impact would be felt not only abroad but also domestically. “This does not just affect those overseas. It directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home,” he said, adding that his administration’s priority was ensuring the safety of all residents. Mamdani said city authorities would continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance as needed.

Venezuela crisis

President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured in Caracas during a joint operation involving US law enforcement agencies and intelligence services, and were later flown out of Venezuela.

Former US President Donald Trump claimed that Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges related to alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies, and would face trial in the United States.

He said, “No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday or frankly, in just a short period of time. All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless as the men and women of our military, working with US law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night.”

Trump said, “It was dark, and it was deadly, but he was captured along with his wife, Cilia Flores, both of whom now face American justice. Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York.”