A US military operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has triggered an international crisis, with the United Nations warning of a “dangerous precedent” and major powers condemning Washington for breaking international law. The Saturday morning strikes on Caracas and subsequent seizure of Maduro and his wife have prompted calls for an emergency Security Council session.
The captured Venezuelan leader will face drug trafficking charges in New York, according to US officials, with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming the legal proceedings. President Trump stated the couple is currently on a ship bound for the United States, a move that Russia has demanded be reversed with their immediate release.
UN Secretary General António Guterres has expressed profound concern through his spokesperson about the disregard for international legal norms, emphasizing that all nations must respect the UN Charter. Brazil’s President Lula compared the American action to historical patterns of intervention in Latin America and the Caribbean, characterizing it as crossing an unacceptable line.
China’s foreign ministry issued one of the strongest international responses, expressing shock at the use of force against a sovereign nation’s leader and condemning what it termed hegemonic behavior. The European Union, through Commission President von der Leyen and various member states, has called for respect of international law, with Spain’s government particularly vocal in its criticism despite not having recognized Maduro’s regime.
South American nations have split in their reactions based on political orientation, with conservative governments offering tacit or explicit support while progressive administrations joined in condemnation. Colombia has taken the practical step of mobilizing its armed forces due to concerns about refugee flows, while think tank experts question whether external military intervention can successfully transform Venezuela’s political landscape or will simply perpetuate instability.