In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the United States conducted a military operation in Venezuela on Saturday, resulting in the capture of the country's President, Nicolas Maduro. US President Donald Trump confirmed the action, stating that Maduro has been taken out of Venezuela.
Details of the Military Strike
The Venezuelan government reported that its capital, Caracas, along with the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, came under attack. Residents of the capital reported hearing at least seven explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft around 2 am local time on Saturday.
The strike follows longstanding US allegations that Maduro has transformed Venezuela into a "narco-state" and manipulated elections. In response, Maduro has consistently argued that Washington's true objective is to gain control over Venezuela's massive oil reserves, which are the largest proven reserves in the world.
International Reactions Pour In
The military action has triggered swift and sharp reactions from several world leaders, with many condemning the attack and expressing deep concern over the rising tensions in the region.
Cuba's President Leads Condemnation
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez issued a strong condemnation on social media platform X. He labeled the US operation a "criminal attack" against Venezuela and urged the international community to respond promptly. Diaz-Canel stated that Washington's actions constituted "state terrorism" targeting not just Venezuela but all of "Our America." He ended his statement with the revolutionary slogan, "Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome."
Iran and Colombia Voice Opposition
Iran's foreign ministry also released a statement, strongly condemning the American military attack and calling it a flagrant violation of Venezuela's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Notably, Iran's condemnation was reportedly issued before President Trump's confirmation on Truth Social.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro added his voice to the critics. On X, he wrote, "The Government of Colombia rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America." In a subsequent tweet, he emphasized that peace, respect for international law, and the protection of human dignity must prevail over armed confrontation.
Escalating Geopolitical Crisis
This military strike marks a severe intensification in the conflict between the United States and the Venezuelan government. The event has immediately become a focal point for global diplomacy, highlighting deep divisions and setting the stage for potential further instability in Latin America. The world now watches closely for the next developments and the formal response from international bodies.
