World leaders react to US strike, capture of Venezuela's Maduro
What's the story
The United States launched a "large-scale strike" on Venezuela, with US officials claiming that President Nicolas Maduro has been captured. The operation was announced by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social shortly after the attack. Trump stated that Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country, with details to follow.
Venezuelan response
Venezuela accuses US of 'imperialist attack'
In this regard, the Venezuelan government has accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations, calling it an "imperialist attack." It has urged citizens to take to the streets in protest. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said they were unaware of Maduro's whereabouts. "We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores," Rodriguez said, adding, "We demand proof of life."
Accusations against Maduro
US accuses Maduro of drug cartel involvement
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel, an allegation the Venezuelan leader has denied. He had claimed that Washington was trying to overthrow him due to Venezuela's oil reserves, which are known to be among the largest in the world. In recent weeks, the US took measures such as unofficially closing Venezuela's airspace and imposing sanctions in an apparent bid to force Maduro out.
Military actions
US forces target alleged drug smugglers
Since September, US forces have targeted boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, claiming they were drug smugglers. The military action has drawn international reactions, with Colombia's President Gustavo Petro calling for an emergency UN meeting and deploying troops to the Venezuela border. Meanwhile, Spain has offered to mediate between the US and Venezuela, urging de-escalation and restraint.
International condemnation
Russia, Iran, Cuba condemn US actions in Venezuela
On the other hand, Russia condemned the US military action in Venezuela, saying there was no tenable justification for the attack and that "ideological hostility" had prevailed over diplomacy. The Iranian foreign ministry also released a statement in which it said it "strongly" condemned the military attack on Venezuela and the "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cuba, Maduro's ally, called on the international community to respond to what it termed a "criminal attack."
Regional reactions
Argentina, Bolivia react to Maduro's capture
In contrast, Argentina's President Javier Milei celebrated Trump's claim of Maduro's capture with his oft-repeated political slogan, "Long live freedom, dammit!" Former Bolivian president Evo Morales took to X to proclaim he "forcefully rejected" the US "bombardment." Germany's foreign ministry said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with partners, while Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is in constant contact with officials regarding the safety of Italian citizens in Venezuela.