Capture of Maduro by Trump administration raises international unease.

U.S. forces removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and he was arraigned in Manhattan federal court; U.S. officials say the action was lawful while U.N. and several governments expressed concern about its implications for international law.

U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and he was arraigned Monday in a federal court in Manhattan after being removed from power in Venezuela. The U.S. administration described the operation as lawful and has framed its policy toward Venezuelan-linked drug networks as an armed conflict. U.N. officials and a number of governments raised objections and urged adherence to the U.N. Charter. The episode has prompted debate about how states should act within established international legal rules. Key points: - Nicolás Maduro was taken into U.S. custody and arraigned in Manhattan federal court following his removal from power. - U.S. officials defended the operation as legal and linked it to actions against drug cartels described by the administration as unlawful combatants. - The U.N. and several governments publicly expressed concern that the operation could affect respect for international law and the principle against the use of force. Summary: The capture and arraignment of Maduro has led to diplomatic objections and public statements stressing the importance of the U.N. Charter and customary limits on the use of force. Undetermined at this time.