New York, Jan 4 (KNS): New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly criticised the United States for capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, calling the move an “act of war” and a serious violation of international law.

Mamdani’s reaction came after US President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out a military operation in Caracas and detained Maduro along with his wife. Trump also said the US would oversee Venezuela during a transition period.

In a statement, Mayor Mamdani said he was briefed about the US military action and the decision to hold the Venezuelan president and his wife in federal custody in New York.

“Attacking a sovereign nation without international approval is an act of war and a violation of both federal and international law,” Mamdani said.

The newly sworn-in mayor said the move reflects a clear attempt at regime change by the Trump administration. He warned that such actions could have serious consequences, not just abroad but also for people living in New York.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“This directly affects tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call New York their home. My priority is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker,” he added, saying his administration will closely monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, US authorities said President Maduro was brought to New York to face criminal charges after federal prosecutors unsealed a major indictment accusing him of leading a long-running drug trafficking and narco-terrorism network.

According to the indictment filed in a New York federal court, Maduro is accused of using state institutions to facilitate large-scale cocaine trafficking over more than two decades. Several senior Venezuelan officials, including members of his family, have also been named in the case.

If convicted, Maduro could face a life sentence. Prosecutors are also seeking the seizure of assets linked to the alleged crimes.(KNS)