US Delta Force Raid Captures Maduro, Triggers International Law Debate and Oil Investment Promises
Updated (2 articles)
US Delta Force operation seizes Maduro and Cilia Flores The raid employed elite Delta Force soldiers to storm Caracas, forcing President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores onto a military aircraft and out of the capital[1][2]. Both leaders were immediately charged in New York with weapons and drug offenses and are slated to appear in federal court[1][2]. The operation sparked a rapid appointment of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, signaling a swift power transition in Venezuela[1].
UK Prime Minister Starmer refuses premature legal judgment In a BBC interview, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would not pre‑emptively assess the raid’s legality, insisting on gathering all facts first[2]. He emphasized that the United Kingdom had no involvement in the operation and had not spoken with President Trump about it[2]. The Foreign Office issued a travel warning prohibiting all travel to Venezuela and advised British nationals to shelter in place[2].
Labour chair condemns strike as breach of international law Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, declared the US action a violation of international law and warned against an “international law of the jungle”[1]. She joined Liberal Democrat, Green and SNP leaders in denouncing the raid, while Prime Minister Starmer remained non‑committal pending further facts[1]. The UN Security Council was scheduled to convene to discuss the incident, highlighting global diplomatic concern[1].
Trump pledges billions in oil investment, warns interim leader President Donald Trump announced that American oil firms would invest billions in Venezuela’s oil sector following the raid[1]. He cautioned that interim president Rodríguez could face repercussions if she does not align with Washington’s expectations[1]. The promise underscores a strategic shift toward U.S. economic influence in the country’s resource industry[1].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
BBC: Labour chair says US Venezuela action breaches international law: Highlights Labour’s legal condemnation, UN Security Council meeting, Maduro’s evacuation, interim president appointment, and Trump’s oil investment pledge.
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[2]
BBC: Starmer avoids ruling on legality of US Venezuela strikes; UK says no involvement and safeguards Brits: Details Starmer’s cautious stance, UK non‑involvement, Delta Force raid, Maduro’s indictment, travel advisory, and protection of roughly 500 British citizens in Venezuela.
Timeline
Jan 3 2026 – Prime Minister Keir Starmer tells the BBC he will not pre‑emptively judge the legality of the U.S. raid on Venezuela, stressing that the United Kingdom had no involvement and that he has not spoken to President Trump about the operation. He says the UK must “understand the full picture” before drawing conclusions and frames Nicolás Maduro as an illegitimate ruler, urging a peaceful transition that reflects Venezuelans’ will. [2]
Jan 3 2026 – The Foreign Office issues a travel advisory warning British nationals to avoid all travel to Venezuela and to shelter in place if already there, while the UK embassy in Caracas works to safeguard roughly 500 British citizens amid the heightened security situation. [2]
Jan 5 2026 – Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, declares on BBC Radio 4 that the U.S. strikes in Venezuela “breach international law” and warns that the UK and its allies must collectively reject such actions to prevent “an international law of the jungle.” [1]
Jan 5 2026 – Downing Street declines to rule on the legality of the U.S. operation, saying it will first consult with Washington and other allies; a UN Security Council meeting is scheduled to discuss the raid, underscoring the diplomatic fallout. [1]
Jan 5 2026 – U.S. forces, reportedly including Delta Force operators, evacuate President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores from Caracas in a military‑law‑enforcement operation; both are subsequently indicted in New York on drug‑trafficking and weapons‑smuggling charges, marking a rare extraterritorial arrest of a sitting head of state. [1][2]
Jan 5 2026 – Delcy Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro, is named interim president of Venezuela, while former President Donald Trump announces that American oil firms will invest “billions” in the country and warns Rodríguez of consequences if she does not align with Washington’s demands. [1]
External resources (1 links)
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela (cited 1 times)