Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated dramatically after the US military conducted an operation in Venezuela, apprehending President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. This unforeseen development has sent shockwaves through the international community, prompting an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), while just prior to this crucial meeting, the US has made a significant announcement, reversing its earlier stance and declaring that it won't play a role in Venezuela's governance.
US Military Operation and Maduro's Capture
The US military executed a substantial operation in Venezuela, which culminated in the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. This action has fundamentally altered Venezuela's political landscape and heightened instability in the region. Maduro is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where protests demanding his immediate release are ongoing, while demonstrators allege that President Trump has violated not only international law but also American law through this intervention.
Shift in US Position
Initially, after attacking Venezuela and capturing Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump had declared that the United States would administer Venezuela until a 'prudent power transition' could be established. This statement had drawn considerable international controversy. However, the US has now reversed its position on the matter. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that his country won't have any role in the governance of Venezuela. This statement comes just before the emergency UNSC meeting, which is convened to discuss the US military action.
Heavy Casualties in Military Action
The military operation conducted by the US in Venezuela has resulted in significant loss of life. According to a report by The New York Times, the death toll from this operation has risen to 80. The casualties include both military personnel and civilians, highlighting the severe human cost of this military intervention. This action has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the Venezuelan populace.
Deaths of Cuban Officials
Among the casualties of the US military operation were 32 Cuban officials, while these Cuban military and police personnel were on a mission that the Caribbean nation's army was conducting at the request of the Venezuelan government. While it wasn't explicitly stated what role the Cubans were playing in the South American country, Cuba has historically been a close ally of the Venezuelan government, providing military and police support for various operations over the years. These deaths further complicate the already volatile situation.
Demands for Maduro's Release and Protests
Large-scale protests are continuing outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is being held. People are demanding that the US government immediately release Maduro. Protesters believe that Maduro's arrest constitutes a violation of both international and American laws, while these demonstrations underscore the widespread discontent against the US action, both within and outside Venezuela.
Trump's Renewed Threat
Amidst these developments, US President Donald Trump has once again issued a threat to Venezuela. Trump warned Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez that if she doesn't comply with US demands, her fate could be worse than Maduro's, while this statement from Trump came within 24 hours of Delcy Rodriguez being appointed as acting President. He cautioned that if she doesn't perform her duties correctly, she. Will have to pay a very heavy price, perhaps even greater than Maduro's. This threat further intensifies US pressure on Venezuela.
UNSC Emergency Meeting Scheduled
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to address the situation in Venezuela. The primary agenda of this meeting will be the military action taken by the United States against Venezuela, while uN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over the US operation. The incident, where US forces apprehended Nicolas Maduro and his wife and took them to their country, has elicited reactions from various nations worldwide, underscoring the international sensitivity of the issue. This meeting could have significant implications for Venezuela's future and international relations.
