New York, Jan 4 (NationPress) New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly criticized the actions taken by the United States against Venezuela, asserting that the assault on any sovereign nation is categorized as “an act of war” and constitutes a breach of international law.

This statement follows US President Donald Trump's announcement regarding a significant military operation in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, which reportedly led to the “capture” of President Nicolas Maduro and his spouse. Trump declared that the US would oversee the governance of the South American nation during the transitional phase.

In an official statement, Mamdani remarked, “I was briefed this morning on the US military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, as well as their planned imprisonment in federal custody here in New York City.”

“Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” he emphasized.

It is significant to note that Mamdani's authority over federal actions is limited, as Maduro and his wife remain in New York under the jurisdiction of US federal agencies.

The newly inaugurated Mayor further criticized the action as an attempt at regime change by the Trump administration.

“This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn’t just affect those abroad; it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home. My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maduro arrived in New York City late Saturday (local time) to face US criminal charges after federal prosecutors unveiled a comprehensive indictment accusing him of orchestrating a long-standing narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking operation.

The indictment, made public by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Prosecutors assert that Maduro exploited state power to transport extensive quantities of cocaine to the United States over a span exceeding two decades.

Charges against Maduro include conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, firearms offenses, and related crimes, with allegations dating back to around 1999 and continuing through 2025.

According to court documents, Maduro “sits atop a corrupt, illegitimate government” that utilized military, intelligence, and law enforcement institutions to safeguard drug trafficking routes. Prosecutors claim that thousands of tons of cocaine were transported from Venezuela through the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico.

The indictment identifies several co-defendants, including Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro, and his son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra. Senior Venezuelan officials, such as Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello Rondon and former Interior Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacin, are also charged.

Prosecutors allege that the network collaborated with violent criminal and militant factions, including Colombia’s FARC and ELN guerrillas, Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel and Zetas, as well as the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

The court documents detail alleged actions such as utilizing Venezuelan diplomatic passports to protect traffickers, dispatching multi-ton cocaine shipments via air and sea, and providing armed security for drug transportation.

Additionally, the allegations include kidnappings, bribery, and violence employed to secure trafficking routes.

Maduro and his co-defendants are also accused of possessing machine guns and destructive devices as part of the drug conspiracy. Prosecutors state that these weapons were used to maintain control and protect shipments.

If convicted, the charges could lead to life sentences. The US government is pursuing the forfeiture of assets associated with the alleged crimes, including drug proceeds and properties used for facilitating trafficking.

Maduro is anticipated to appear before a federal judge in Manhattan, where prosecutors will likely seek his continued detention pending trial.

The United States has long alleged corruption and drug trafficking against Maduro and does not recognize him as Venezuela's legitimate president following disputed elections and widespread international condemnation of his administration.