Key points
- Calls operation an act of war
- Warns against blatant regime change
- Mayor contacts Trump to object
ISLAMABAD: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Saturday strongly criticised the United States military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, calling it an “act of war” and a “blatant pursuit of regime change.”
Speaking at a press conference in New York, Mamdani said he had spoken directly with President Donald Trump to register his opposition to the operation, which saw Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, seized in an overnight raid and flown to the United States to face federal charges.
I was briefed this morning on the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as well as their planned imprisonment in federal custody here in New York City.
Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) January 3, 2026
“I called the president and spoke with him directly to register my opposition to this act,” Mamdani said, adding that the operation violated both federal and international law. He stressed that such principles must be applied consistently, regardless of the country involved.
Attacking sovereign nation
Earlier, Mamdani posted on X that unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation constituted an act of war. He said he had been briefed on the military action and the planned imprisonment of the Venezuelan leader in federal custody in New York City.
The mayor warned that the fallout from the operation could extend beyond Venezuela, potentially affecting tens of thousands of Venezuelans living in New York.
He said his administration was closely monitoring developments and would issue guidance to ensure the safety of the local Venezuelan community.
“My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker,” Mamdani said.
The comments came after President Trump confirmed that US forces carried out a large-scale strike in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Maduro. The operation has drawn sharp international criticism and renewed debate over US intervention and regime-change policies.
