BREAKING: US forces have just captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in a bold operation that has sparked outrage globally. Sinn Féin officials are condemning the incident as a “naked power grab” aimed at seizing control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
During a press conference earlier today, US President Donald Trump declared the operation necessary to “bring outlaw dictator Nicolás Maduro to justice.” He claims Maduro and Flores have been indicted for a “campaign of deadly narco-terrorism” against the US. Trump further stated that America will oversee Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition” to a new government.
This intervention has raised alarms among international observers, particularly due to Venezuela’s status as home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Trump’s remarks included promises that US oil companies would “fix the badly broken infrastructure” and generate profits for the country.
In a strong response, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, characterized the US actions as “sinister,” stressing that regime change should not be imposed by foreign powers. “The democratic process needs to be respected,” he asserted, warning that the US intervention could lead to “major humanitarian fallout” and “significant regional instability.”
The operation has also drawn fierce criticism from Irish political leaders. Paul Murphy, a TD for People Before Profit, condemned the action as a “blatant imperialist attack,” further characterizing the kidnapping as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and a potential war crime. “This is a violent grab for oil, natural resources, and power,” Murphy stated. He called on the Irish Government to “immediately and unequivocally condemn this violation.”
In response to the escalating situation, Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Helen McEntee, has communicated with Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy. McEntee has emphasized the necessity of adhering to international law and the principles of the UN Charter during this tense time. “While we have been clear that President Maduro does not have any democratic legitimacy, we have consistently called for a peaceful and negotiated transition in Venezuela,” McEntee added.
As the situation unfolds, the global community is watching closely. The future of Venezuela hangs in the balance, with fears that the US intervention could lead to further destabilization in the region.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
