Maduro Sends Message from New York: “We Are Steadfast, We Are Good Fighters”

Jan 11, 2026 at 07:23 PM

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Lanka Leader

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, currently in New York City facing U.S. federal charges, has sent a message to supporters saying he and First Lady Cilia Flores are well and remain resolute in the face of ongoing challenges. Maduro’s son, Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra, shared the message on social media, quoting his father’s appeal for Venezuelans not to lose hope and describing him as a leader steadfast in adversity.

Maduro and Flores were taken to the United States after a dramatic U.S. military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, which included strikes across the country and resulted in their capture and transfer to New York. Both appeared in a Manhattan federal court on January 5, where they pleaded not guilty to charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, and drug trafficking.

In court, Maduro declared himself the legitimate president of Venezuela and said he was “captured” in his home in Caracas, asserting that he remains committed to his country.

Following the operation, Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Delcy Rodríguez as acting president to ensure continuity of governance amid the crisis. Rodríguez has strongly condemned the U.S. actions and is leading efforts to secure the release of Maduro and Flores.

The U.S. military operation and Maduro’s detention have drawn widespread international attention. Members of the UN Security Council and leaders around the world have expressed concern over the legality and implications of the U.S. intervention, with critics saying it violates international law and norms regarding state sovereignty. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that unilateral military action could pose serious risks to regional stability.

Global governments and civil society groups have shown varying reactions, with many calling for respect for international law and the immediate release of the Venezuelan leaders. Maduro’s supporters have described his message from New York as a symbol of resilience during a dramatic and evolving geopolitical moment.