In the latest developments following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump announced Venezuela's handover of 30-50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., with proceeds under American oversight. Maduro pleaded not guilty to narcotrafficking charges in New York, while interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared seven days of national mourning for at least 55 deaths in the operation.
Building on the U.S. 'Operation Absolute Resolution'—detailed in prior coverage—which captured Maduro, 63, and wife Cilia Flores, 69, using nearly 200 soldiers and 150 aircraft in Caracas, Maduro was extradited to New York. On January 6, he appeared before Judge Alvin Hellerstein, pleading not guilty to narcoterrorism and cocaine importation charges amid claims of being a 'prisoner of war.'
Trump posted on Truth Social: "Venezuelan interim authorities will hand over 30 to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil. This oil will be sold at market price and the money will be controlled by me... for the benefit of the peoples of Venezuela and the United States."
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, sworn in by Venezuela's National Assembly and Supreme Court, asserted: "No external agent governs Venezuela." She declared seven days of mourning for victims, including 23 Venezuelan soldiers and 32 Cuban security personnel, per official reports; civilian deaths may push the toll to 70-80.
Global reactions intensified: The UN decried the intervention as violating international law. France labeled it 'illegal' and plans parliamentary debate. Mexico demanded a fair trial. Earlier condemnations from Russia and China persist alongside support from figures like Argentina's Javier Milei. G7 foreign ministers are convening. Opposition leader María Corina Machado praised the action, but Trump dismissed her leadership prospects. Prosecutor Tarek William Saab called it a 'war crime' and rejected U.S. jurisdiction.
