The United States conducted airstrikes in Caracas, Venezuela, leading to the apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. US authorities have stated they will face criminal charges in New York related to drug trafficking. This operation has prompted varied international reactions, with many nations and international bodies condemning the action as a breach of international law, while others have expressed support or called for clarification and diplomatic engagement.
Operation Details and US Intentions
On Saturday morning, the United States conducted airstrikes on Caracas, Venezuela. During this operation, President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were apprehended. This action followed a six-month period of increased tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
US forces transported Maduro and Flores by ship to New York. US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that they would face criminal charges in New York, which US Secretary of State Marco Rubio specified would relate to the drugs trade. President Donald Trump confirmed the apprehension and transport, and stated that the US intended to "run the country" indefinitely after Maduro's removal and seize Venezuela's oil reserves, further indicating that Venezuela would be governed by a US-appointed group.
In response, Delcy Rodríguez, identified as Maduro's vice-president, appeared on Caracas media, asserting Maduro as Venezuela's "only" president and rejecting colonization. The current governmental control in Venezuela remains unconfirmed.
International Condemnations and Concerns
A range of international entities and nations issued statements expressing concern or condemnation regarding the US actions:
- United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through a spokesperson, expressed deep concern that principles of international law, including the UN Charter, had not been upheld, calling the action a "dangerous precedent." An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was scheduled to address the situation.
- European Nations: France, Russia, and China indicated the actions constituted a breach of international law. Russia called for the release of Maduro and Flores. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated the military operation violated the principle of non-resort to force, asserting that lasting political solutions cannot be externally imposed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Danish foreign minister also emphasized the importance of respecting international law.
- China: China's foreign ministry characterized the US conduct as "hegemonic" and a threat to regional peace, urging adherence to international law and UN Charter principles.
- Latin American Nations: Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described the US actions as having "crossed an unacceptable line," drawing comparisons to historical US interventions in Latin America and stating such actions could lead to a "world of violence, chaos and instability." Other left-wing leaders, including Colombia's Gustavo Petro, Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum, and Chile's Gabriel Boric, joined Brazil in denouncing the US intervention. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the attacks as "state terrorism." Colombia subsequently mobilized its armed forces, citing concerns about a potential influx of refugees following the attacks in neighboring Venezuela.
- Southeast Asian Nations: Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "grave concern" over actions involving the use or threat of force, citing risks to international relations and regional stability, peace, and principles of sovereignty and diplomacy, and emphasized respecting Venezuela's sovereignty. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated opposition to actions contrary to international law, including foreign military intervention, and reiterated its commitment to international law and the UN Charter's principles regarding state independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, urging restraint and a peaceful resolution. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticized the US military operation as a violation of international law and an unlawful use of force, calling for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, emphasizing that such actions erode the international legal framework, and asserting that the Venezuelan people should determine their own political future. Thailand called for all parties to resolve the conflict peacefully, respecting the UN Charter and international law, while the Philippines stated it was monitoring the situation and urged parties to resolve disputes peacefully and exercise restraint. Non-intervention is a foundational principle of the ASEAN bloc.
- Australia: Australian Greens defence spokesperson David Shoebridge characterized the capture as a "gross breach of international law" and warned against a path of "lawless aggression."
Support and Calls for Dialogue
Conversely, some nations expressed support for the US action or called for dialogue while reaffirming long-held positions:
- Latin American Nations: Argentina's President Javier Milei and Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa expressed support for the action, with Milei praising Venezuela's "new freedom."
- European Nations: Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated the US actions were "legitimate." UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated his government would "shed no tears" over the end of Maduro's regime, having long supported a transition of power and considering Maduro an illegitimate president. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously accused Maduro of seizing power and infringing upon fundamental freedoms.
- Canada: Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Ananda stated that Canada had refused to recognize the Maduro regime's legitimacy and had opposed its actions against the Venezuelan people, including the persecution of dissenters and political opponents.
- Australia: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement supporting a "peaceful, democratic transition" in Venezuela, emphasized the importance of respecting international law, and stated his government is monitoring developments. He reiterated Australia's long-standing concerns regarding democratic principles, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in Venezuela, urging all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy for regional stability. Australian Labor ministers Jim Chalmers and Tim Ayres emphasized adherence to international law and indicated it was for the United States to "make out the argument here and to set out the facts" regarding the legal basis of its actions. Australian Opposition Leader Sussan Ley welcomed Maduro's removal, citing past accusations of repression, human rights abuses, and the suppression of democratic freedoms under his rule, stating that "dictators and despots should always face justice." Nationals leader David Littleproud suggested that any intervention in Venezuela should extend beyond issues of "oil or drugs," welcomed Maduro's removal, but cautioned against a prolonged military operation and emphasized respecting Venezuela's sovereignty. Shadow trade minister Kevin Hogan also raised questions regarding Venezuela's immediate future governance.
- Venezuela: Within Venezuela, reactions to the US mission varied, with some Venezuelan migrants globally expressing support.
Background and Context
Maduro was indicted in US federal court in 2020 on charges including narco-terrorism, which alleged a scheme to send cocaine to the US; he has consistently denied these allegations. In July 2024, a Venezuelan presidential election occurred. Opposition leader Edmundo González appeared to win based on voting data verified by independent experts, and the US, under former President Joe Biden, recognized González as the victor. Maduro, however, remained in power following what was described as a crackdown on political opponents. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado recently received the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts toward a "just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy."
Dr. Carlos Solar, a senior research fellow on Latin America for the Rusi thinktank, commented on the potential for regime change in Venezuela, noting that the existing "Chávista" movement might continue with a new leader. Dr. Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow for Latin America at Chatham House, indicated that the attacks were anticipated after previous attempts to remove Maduro were unsuccessful, and noted US public opposition to military involvement and potential congressional review under the War Powers Act. He also highlighted that any military action would likely necessitate sustained US engagement, the extent of which remains uncertain.
Australia's Smartraveller website advises against travel to Venezuela due to a dangerous security situation, threats of violent crime, political and economic instability, and the risk of arbitrary detention, noting reports of military activity. Australia does not maintain an embassy in Venezuela.