The United States has formally indicted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on narco-terrorism and related criminal charges, significantly escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the indictments while addressing the media, warning that the United States is prepared to take further military action should the situation deteriorate.
“We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if necessary,” Trump said, adding that Washington would not allow Venezuela to remain a hub for organised crime, drug trafficking and regional instability.
According to US authorities, the charges allege that Maduro and his wife coordinated drug-trafficking networks that funded and protected criminal and terrorist activities, using state power to shield operations from international law enforcement.
Officials say the indictments form part of a broader strategy to dismantle what the US government describes as a narco-state structure embedded within Venezuela’s political leadership.
Trump stressed that while the United States prefers a peaceful resolution, it will not hesitate to act to protect regional security and international law.
The indictments are expected to provoke strong reactions across Latin America and from global powers aligned with Venezuela, raising concerns about sovereignty, international law and the risk of wider regional instability.
US officials said further details on legal proceedings and next steps will be released in the coming days.