Uncertainty and legal questions remain after US operation in Venezuela

A U.S. military operation removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and brought him to New York to face criminal charges; legal experts and officials have raised questions about the operation's lawfulness and who will govern Venezuela.

U.S. forces carried out an operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power and transported him and his wife to New York to face criminal charges. U.S. leaders have talked publicly about using control over Venezuelan oil assets and about who should lead the country. Venezuela's vice president has been named interim president by the country's high court. Legal experts and some lawmakers have questioned the legality of the operation and whether Congress was notified. What is known now: - U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and they were flown to New York, where they are in U.S. custody on narcotics-related criminal charges. - Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was announced as interim president by the nation's high court. - U.S. officials, including the president and the secretary of state, have described plans to influence Venezuela's oil sector and its leadership going forward. - Legal scholars and commentators have raised questions about whether the operation complied with U.S. domestic law and international law, and whether Congress was informed. Summary: The operation has left uncertainty about governance in Venezuela and prompted questions about the operation's international and domestic legality. Maduro is in U.S. custody and faces federal criminal charges in New York, where a trial is expected. Undetermined at this time is how Congress, international bodies, or Venezuelan institutions will address the wider legal and political issues.