Web Desk (MNN); New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Saturday strongly criticised the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, voicing serious concern over plans to detain them in federal custody in New York.
President Donald Trump earlier announced that the United States had carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela, resulting in the arrest of its long-ruling leader after months of pressure over allegations of drug trafficking and illegitimate rule.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of Venezuela following the military operation.
Republican Senator Mike Lee later said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had informed him that Maduro would face criminal charges in the United States.
In a statement shared on X, Mayor Mamdani said he had been briefed on the operation earlier in the day, including the decision to transfer the Venezuelan president and his wife to New York after the US action.
He termed the operation a grave violation of the law, stating that launching a unilateral attack on a sovereign country amounts to an act of war and breaches both federal and international legal frameworks.
The mayor warned that open attempts at regime change have far-reaching consequences, noting that such actions not only affect foreign nations but also have a direct impact on New York, which is home to tens of thousands of Venezuelans.
Mamdani said his primary concern was the safety of all residents, including members of the Venezuelan community, and added that his administration was closely monitoring the evolving situation.
He stressed that city authorities would continue to evaluate developments and issue guidance when necessary to ensure public safety.
So far, US federal authorities have not issued any public response to the mayor’s remarks.
