Full Story Trump ousts Venezuela’s President
Jan 5, 2026
Julian Borja, a Senior international correspondent at The Guardian specializing in Latin American politics, discusses the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces. He delves into the unexpected nature of the raid and its legal implications, drawing parallels to past military operations. The conversation emphasizes how labeling Maduro as a drug kingpin frames US actions, while also highlighting the geopolitical stakes, especially regarding Venezuela's oil. Borja raises concerns about the potential repercussions for international norms and the future of governance in Venezuela.
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Dramatic Midnight Raid In Caracas
- Julian Borja described the raid on Caracas as cinematic, with power cuts, explosions and US forces seizing Maduro from his home.
- He said US operatives even intercepted Maduro as he tried to close a steel safe room and whisked him away.
Operation Echoes Panama 1989
- Julian Borja compared the operation to the 1989 US invasion of Panama and the capture of Manuel Noriega.
- He highlighted that similar past operations also raised legal challenges over legitimacy and fair trial concerns.
Action Likely Violates UN Charter
- International legal experts see the US strike as likely violating the UN Charter absent an imminent armed attack.
- Julian Borja said under the UN Charter the action looks like a war of aggression.