U.S. Strikes Venezuela, Captures President Maduro and His Wife

The United States conducted a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

“The world reacted differently to the United States' attack on Venezuela”

Anadolu Agency

This marked a dramatic escalation of the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government.

Anadolu Agency

Early morning strikes targeted military and political installations in Caracas, including a military airbase and legislative building.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed the attacks after multiple explosions were reported overnight.

U.S. officials justified the operation by claiming Maduro directed drug cartels trafficking drugs to the United States.

The Justice Department announced Maduro and his wife will face charges in the Southern District of New York.

The operation represents the most significant U.S. intervention in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama.

The U.S. military strike and capture of Maduro provoked swift and widespread international condemnation.

Numerous countries denounced the operation as a violation of international law and Venezuela's sovereignty.

BBC

China's Foreign Ministry expressed being 'deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the U.S. against a sovereign country.'

China stated that America's actions 'seriously violates international law, violates Venezuela's sovereignty, and threatens peace and security.'

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed 'firm solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the face of armed aggression.'

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed resistance, saying 'We will not yield to the enemy.'

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern about instability and the precedent set by the operation.

Latin American reactions to the U.S. operation were predominantly critical, with neighboring countries expressing particular alarm.

“The capture of Venezuela's leader, , and his wife during sparked reaction from leaders around the world”

CBS News

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva slammed the U.S. attacks as a 'serious affront' to Venezuela's sovereignty.

Lula stated that 'The bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line.'

He warned that attacking countries violates international law and leads toward 'a world of violence, chaos, and instability.'

Colombian President Gustavo Petro deployed security forces along the border to prepare for a possible refugee influx.

Petro condemned the attack as an aggression against Venezuela and Latin America.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel denounced the strikes as a 'criminal US attack' and 'state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people.'

However, Argentine President Javier Milei expressed support, declaring 'FREEDOM MOVES FORWARD. LONG LIVE FREEDOM DAMMIT.'

European responses to the U.S. operation were mixed, with some countries expressing cautious support while others emphasized violations of international law.

France initially expressed ambivalence, with President Emmanuel Macron initially saying Venezuelans 'can only rejoice' at Maduro's ouster.

NPR

Macron later clarified that he 'neither supported nor approved' the U.S. operation.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that 'the method used infringes the principles of international law.'

In contrast, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a Trump ally, argued the U.S. military action was 'legitimate' and 'defensive.'

The European Union adopted a cautious stance, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating they are 'closely following developments.'

Kallas emphasized that 'international law and the UN Charter must be respected in all circumstances.'

Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the operation, questioning the lack of evidence for an urgent threat.

The U.S. operation has raised significant legal and diplomatic concerns about violations of international law.

“In a statement shortly after the US bombings, Maduro’s government accused Washington of an “extremely serious military aggression””

OB Rag

Multiple countries emphasized that the strikes violated Article 2 of the UN Charter prohibiting the use of force.

OB Rag

Mexico strongly condemned the intervention, stating it 'in clear violation of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations.'

Spain called for de-escalation and action 'in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.'

The operation has created uncertainty about Venezuela's future political transition.

France suggested that the 2024 election winner Edmundo Gonzalez should play a central role in any transition.

U.N. Secretary-General Guterres called for 'an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future.'

Questions remain about the legal status of Maduro and his wife and potential extradition to the United States.