Dialogos

International Outcry Follows US Military Intervention in Venezuela

Published January 3, 2026, 14:02
International Outcry Follows US Military Intervention in Venezuela

A large-scale US military operation in Venezuela has sparked international condemnation, with President Donald Trump announcing the "capture" of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and their removal from the country. Washington justifies the operation as part of the fight against drug trafficking, however, governments and international organizations express serious concerns about the violation of sovereignty and potential destabilization in the region. According to US sources, the arrest was carried out by elite special forces, possibly the Delta Force, while Foreign Minister Marco Rubio informed a senator that Maduro will be brought before US justice. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who has temporarily assumed leadership, states that she does not know Maduro's fate and demands proof of his survival, while also denouncing civilian casualties from US attacks. The Venezuelan Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, reports that there were missile attacks on military installations in Caracas and other areas, also affecting residential areas. The Bolivarian Armed Forces state they are fully prepared to defend the country. The Venezuelan government has requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, a request supported by several Latin American countries. Internationally, Russia condemned the US intervention, calling for a political and diplomatic solution. From Europe, Spain called for de-escalation and respect for international law, offering its services as a mediator. The European Union, through High Representative Kaja Kallas, appealed for restraint, while reiterating its questioning of Maduro's democratic legitimacy. In Latin America, Colombia expressed its disapproval of unilateral military actions that endanger civilians.