World reacts to US strikes on Venezuela, Maduro’s capture

Governments across Latin America, Europe and beyond have reacted sharply after the United States claimed it carried out large-scale military strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, reports Al Jazeera.

US President Donald Trump said early Saturday that American forces had conducted a “large scale strike” inside Venezuela and that Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the country” in an operation coordinated with US law enforcement. US media outlets, including Fox News and CBS News, also reported strikes inside the country.

Venezuela’s government strongly condemned the operation, calling it an “extremely serious military aggression” and a violation of the country’s sovereignty. In an initial statement, authorities said the attack endangered Venezuelan lives and territory.

Regional and International Reactions

Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected the US action, warning against armed confrontation and calling for respect for international law and regional sovereignty. He later announced the deployment of Colombian forces to the Venezuelan border.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the strikes as a “criminal attack” and “state terrorism,” calling for an urgent international response and warning that peace in the region was under threat.

Iran’s foreign ministry condemned what it described as a flagrant violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Russia expressed deep concern and condemned what it called an act of armed aggression by the United States. Moscow urged restraint and called for dialogue, reaffirming support for Venezuela’s right to determine its future without foreign military intervention.

Republican Senator Mike Lee said the Trump administration had informed him that no further military action was anticipated and that President Maduro would face criminal charges in the US.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc was closely monitoring developments, reiterating that international law and the UN Charter must be respected. She emphasized the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela as a top priority.

Spain called for de-escalation, moderation and respect for international law, offering to help facilitate a peaceful solution. 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her government was monitoring the situation closely, particularly regarding the safety of Italian nationals living in Venezuela.

The situation remains fluid as international reactions continue and details of the US operation are still emerging, Al Jazeera reported.

SH