PREVIEW

Maduro Pleads Not Guilty After Dramatic U.S. Capture, Caracas Reels. Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty in New York to U.S. drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, calling his arrest a “kidnapping.” Shackled in court, Maduro insisted he remains Venezuela’s president as protesters gathered outside the courthouse. U.S. prosecutors accused him of leading an international cocaine network tied to major drug cartels. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty; the next court hearing is set for March. In Caracas, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, signaling continuity rather than resistance. U.S. officials suggested Rodríguez is best placed to maintain order, sidelining Venezuela’s opposition. Trump said the U.S. is “at war with drug traffickers, not Venezuela,” while asserting Washington is now “in charge.” The arrest sparked global backlash, legal debate, and renewed focus on Venezuela’s oil future.
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