Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York courthouse amid heavy security on Monday (local time), days after being arrested in an unprecedented US military operation in Caracas.
Maduro, 63, is facing drug trafficking charges, including charges against his wife Cilia Flores. He was brought to court in a helicopter and armored vehicle, surrounded by armed law enforcement officers.
Earlier on Sunday night, US President Donald Trump said the United States was now “taking Venezuela under its wing.” On the other hand, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it was “premature” to discuss holding elections in the country after Maduro’s removal.
According to analysts, this operation and subsequent steps have further consolidated Washington’s control strategy over oil-rich Venezuela.