The mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, harshly criticized the military operation by the United States that ended with the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, labeling it an “act of war” and a “violation of international law.”
"I was informed this morning about the military capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as well as their transfer to federal custody here in New York," wrote the mayor on his X account (formerly Twitter).
"Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law," he emphasized in this regard.
Mamdani, of Ugandan descent and a member of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, also stated that he had personally called President Donald Trump to express his “direct opposition to that act.”
"This blatant attempt at regime change not only affects those outside the country, but also has a direct impact on New Yorkers, including the thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home," he added.
The mayor asserted that his priority is the safety of New York residents in light of the international tension resulting from the operation, which would culminate in the imprisonment of Maduro right in that city where he has an ongoing criminal case.
"My focus is on your safety and that of all New Yorkers. Our administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance," he stated.
The statement generated mixed reactions. While progressive sectors defended their stance by appealing to the principles of international law, Republican critics accused Mamdani of "defending a dictator" and "interfering in national security decisions."
The capture of Nicolás Maduro was announced on January 3 by President Donald Trump following a military operation with no U.S. casualties.
The leader assured that the chavista leader “was captured in a matter of seconds” and would be transferred to New York to face charges of narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, and possession of war weapons in the Southern District of Manhattan.
In contrast, democratic leaders such as Mamdani and several leftist legislators have questioned the legality of the military intervention, warning that it "sets a dangerous precedent" for U.S. foreign policy and could trigger diplomatic tensions in Latin America.
Filed under:
