US Captures Venezuela’s President — 3 Governments Condemn, 2 Cheer, All Fear They’re Next

**US Captures Venezuela’s President — 3 Governments Condemn, 2 Cheer, All Fear They’re Next** The United States military has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise operation, sending shockwaves through Latin America and forcing every government in the region to urgently reassess its own security and sovereignty [47126][47297][41880]. American troops struck Caracas on Saturday, detaining Maduro, 63, and his wife before transporting them to New York [41460][41880]. Maduro now faces drug trafficking charges in a U.S. court [41880]. President Donald Trump announced the capture and said the United States will run Venezuela’s government, though he did not set a date for new elections [41460]. The reaction among Latin American governments has been sharply divided. Nations historically critical of Maduro, including Colombia and Brazil, have offered cautious support for the action [47297]. Others, such as Mexico and Bolivia, have condemned it as a clear violation of international law and national sovereignty [47297]. Despite their public disagreements, analysts say a deeper, shared fear now unites leaders across the political spectrum: the worry that their own country could be next [47126][47297]. The operation sets a major precedent — the first time the United States has directly seized a sitting head of state from the region without the host country’s consent [47297]. Every capital is conducting urgent internal reviews to assess its own vulnerability to similar foreign intervention [47297]. This move revives a long-standing U.S. practice of using military or political force to remove Latin American leaders, a pattern that has continued for over a century with mixed long-term results [41465]. It also directly challenges China’s growing influence in the region, where Beijing has become the leading trading partner and lender for many South American nations [41460][45747]. Analysts warn the strike is intended to discourage other nations from deepening ties with Beijing [41460]. The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Monday at Venezuela’s request to address the incident [41880]. U.S. Capture of Venezuela's Maduro Sends Shockwaves Through Latin America U.S. Capture of Maduro Sends Shockwave Through Latin America U.S. Captures Venezuela's Leader, Challenging China's Regional Reach Trump Revives US Habit of Ousting Latin American Leaders Venezuela's President Seized by U.S., Faces Court in New York Trump Targets Latin America, But China Holds the Lead