Caracas: The United States’ recent military action against Venezuela, involving the bombing of key locations in the capital city of Caracas and the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, has incited global condemnation. This act, perceived as a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter, has been denounced by many nations, excluding the allies of President Donald Trump in Europe and Israel.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the US military operation commenced at 2:00 AM local time, with American forces deploying large helicopters to enter Venezuela, abducting Maduro and transporting him to New York. Shortly after, President Trump publicly announced the attack, with the White House releasing footage of Maduro in custody. Trump hinted at plans to “run” Venezuela using senior members of his administration and emphasized the strategic importance of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the largest worldwide.
The response from Caracas was swift and severe, with Vice-President Delcy Rodrguez condemning the actions as an ‘illegal, illegitimate kidnapping’ and demanding the immediate release of the Venezuelan leaders. Rodrguez was subsequently appointed as acting-president by Venezuela’s highest court and accused the US action of having a ‘Zionist tint,’ alluding to Israel’s historical aggression in the West Asia region.
Internationally, the reaction has been one of shock and criticism. Peoples Dispatch reported that while Venezuelans are reeling from the US’s unilateral military intervention, the government maintains control. The outlet criticized the US’s history of similar actions, referencing past military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, and warned that this is another instance of American unilateralism.
Several global leaders and organizations have voiced their disapproval. Russian officials, including Alexei Pushkov and Dmitry Medvedev, highlighted the US’s strategic interest in Venezuelan oil and criticized the military action as unjustified and aggressive. Chinese authorities echoed these sentiments, calling for the immediate release of Maduro and denouncing the violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Criticism also came from within the US, with former Vice President Kamala Harris and other political figures condemning the military operation as unlawful and motivated by oil interests rather than genuine security concerns. Democratic leaders expressed skepticism over the Trump administration’s intentions and criticized the lack of congressional oversight.
In contrast, some European leaders and Israel expressed support for the US actions. French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among those who endorsed the operation, while anti-war and labor groups in Britain called for the return of Maduro and denounced the military intervention.
The incident has been compared to past US interventions and criticized globally as a dangerous precedent threatening international peace and security. The widespread condemnation underscores the complex geopolitical implications and the urgent calls for adherence to international law.