This Was an Illegal International Operation

And It Signals a Fracture in the Post–World War II Order

Let’s start with the update that matters.

The United States now claims it captured Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro and transferred him to the U.S. for prosecution. According to early reports, the operation killed at least 40 people, including civilians and Venezuelan military personnel.

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Before the discussion gets diluted by talking points, one thing has to be stated plainly: this was not a legal arrest. It was not a law-enforcement action. It was a cross-border military operation. Under international law, that distinction is not semantic. It is decisive.