The indictment also names Maduro’s wife and son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, among six defendants charged with narcotics conspiracy, weapons offenses, and cocaine importation.
Political Reaction in Washington
Republican lawmakers largely praised the action. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida wrote on X that “a new day is here for Venezuela and Latin America,” while Cotton said Maduro “wasn’t just an illegitimate dictator; he also ran a vast drug-trafficking operation.”
However, Democrats strongly criticized the move. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona called it “the second unjustified war in my lifetime.”
“This war is illegal,” Gallego wrote. “It’s embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year.”
Sen. Mike Lee of Utah also raised constitutional concerns, questioning what authority justified military action without a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force.
Venezuela and International Condemnation
The Venezuelan government condemned the operation, calling it “grave military aggression” targeting both military and civilian areas in Caracas and surrounding states. Maduro reportedly ordered the implementation of national defense plans and declared a “state of External Disturbance” nationwide.
