The United States has faced widespread international condemnation after launching airstrikes on Venezuela's capital and capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. France, Russia, China, the European Union, and several other nations accused Washington of violating international law during the operation, which occurred on Saturday morning amid escalating tensions between the US and the South American country.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and Flores would face criminal charges in New York, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicating the charges would relate to the drug trade. President Donald Trump confirmed the couple was taken to a ship after their capture and would be transported to New York. Russia has called for their release.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern, with a spokesperson stating the action sets a “dangerous precedent” and emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and the UN Charter. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the US actions as “crossed an unacceptable line,” comparing them to historical US interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
China’s foreign ministry denounced the “hegemonic behaviour” of the US, saying it threatens peace and security in the region. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other EU leaders called for respect of international law. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated the operation violates the principle of non-use of force, while Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected both the Maduro regime and the US intervention.
Reaction in South America was divided. Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa supported the action, while leftist leaders including Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum, and Chile’s Gabriel Boric joined Lula in denouncing the intervention. Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the attacks “state terrorism.” Colombia has mobilized its armed forces following the US strikes on neighboring Venezuela.
