“US Action Against Venezuela ‘An Act of War’, Says NYC Mayor Mamdani”

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

In a post on X, Mamdani said he was briefed on the US military operation that led to the arrest of the Venezuelan leader in Caracas and their subsequent transfer to federal custody in New York City. He warned that the move could have far-reaching implications, both internationally and domestically.

“Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” Mamdani said, adding that the action appeared to be a “blatant pursuit of regime change.”

The mayor stressed that the impact of the operation would extend beyond Venezuela, affecting communities within the United States as well. “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, assuring that his administration’s priority was ensuring the safety of all residents. City authorities, he added, would continue to monitor developments and issue guidance as necessary.

Maduro and Flores were captured in Caracas during a joint operation involving US intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities and were later flown out of Venezuela.

Former US President Donald Trump claimed that the Venezuelan leader and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges related to alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies. Trump said the arrests followed a night-time military operation that rendered Venezuelan military capacities powerless.

The developments have triggered sharp reactions amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, raising concerns over international law, sovereignty, and regional stability.