Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking, weapons violations, and narco-terrorism charges in a New York court on Monday, following his dramatic capture by U.S. forces during a raid in Caracas over the weekend. The operation, described by Washington as targeting "high-value narco-terrorists," has ignited a diplomatic firestorm across the Americas.
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session late Monday, where Venezuelan Ambassador Samuel Moncada denounced the raid as a "blatant violation of sovereignty." Multiple member states criticized the U.S. action, with some labeling it a breach of international law. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for "peaceful resolution through dialogue" while acknowledging concerns about unilateral military interventions.
Analysts suggest the case could strain U.S. relations with Latin American allies, particularly as regional governments weigh responses to the unprecedented detention of a sitting head of state. Markets in Asia showed muted reactions early Tuesday, though energy traders are monitoring potential impacts on Venezuelan oil exports.
