U.S. Military Action in Venezuela Sparks Regional Condemnation

On January 3, 2026, the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This intervention has drawn widespread condemnation from various Latin American countries, which view it as a violation of international law and a dangerous precedent for regional stability. The operation was characterized by U.S. President Donald Trump as a necessary action against a regime he described as oppressive.

Venezuela: Latin American Countries Jointly Condemn US Attacks as Interim Gov’t Backs Maduro

The response from Latin American leaders has been sharply divided. Countries such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay issued a joint statement condemning the U.S. actions, asserting that they contravene basic principles of international law. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emphasized that the bombings and capture of Maduro represented an unacceptable affront to Venezuela's sovereignty. Colombian President Gustavo Petro echoed these sentiments, calling for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the aggression.

ReutersMultiple Latin American countries condemn US military operation in VenezuelaMultiple Latin American countries condemn US aggression on VenezuelaLatin American countries strongly condemn US military action against VenezuelaVenezuela: Latin American Countries Jointly Condemn US Attacks as Interim Gov’t Backs MaduroVenezuela: ISHR and human rights organisations condemn US military attack and express concern for human rights

Conversely, right-leaning governments in the region have expressed support for the U.S. intervention. Argentinian President Javier Milei, a close ally of Trump, hailed Maduro's ousting as excellent news for the "free world." Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa also welcomed the U.S. actions, framing them as a necessary step against what he termed "narco-Chavistas."

ReutersThe Sydney Morning HeraldMultiple Latin American countries condemn US aggression on VenezuelaVenezuela: Latin American Countries Jointly Condemn US Attacks as Interim Gov’t Backs MaduroMultiple Latin American countries condemn US military operation in VenezuelaVenezuela: ISHR and human rights organisations condemn US military attack and express concern for human rights

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil condemned the U.S. operation as a blatant violation of international law, stating, “Kidnapping a president is kidnapping a people’s sovereignty.” He urged regional leaders to take a stand against U.S. aggression. In contrast, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated her country's commitment to non-intervention, emphasizing that dialogue is the only legitimate means to resolve conflicts.

Venezuela: Latin American Countries Jointly Condemn US Attacks as Interim Gov’t Backs Maduro

The Venezuelan Supreme Court ruled that Maduro's capture constituted a temporary absence, allowing Delcy Rodríguez to assume the presidency on an interim basis. Rodríguez has vowed that Venezuela will not submit to foreign control, asserting that the country is prepared to defend its sovereignty.

Venezuela: Latin American Countries Jointly Condemn US Attacks as Interim Gov’t Backs Maduro

Human rights organizations have also condemned the U.S. military action, arguing that it exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation in Venezuela. They stress that while the Maduro regime has committed serious human rights violations, military intervention is not a legitimate solution and undermines international law.

Venezuela: ISHR and human rights organisations condemn US military attack and express concern for human rightsLatin American countries strongly condemn US military action against VenezuelaMultiple Latin American countries condemn US military operation in VenezuelaVenezuela: Latin American Countries Jointly Condemn US Attacks as Interim Gov’t Backs MaduroMultiple Latin American countries condemn US aggression on VenezuelaThe Sydney Morning HeraldReuters

Reports regarding the casualties from the U.S. strikes remain unverified, with some sources suggesting as many as 80 deaths among Maduro's security detail. The Venezuelan Defense Ministry has yet to provide an official account of the damages incurred during the military operation.

Venezuela: Latin American Countries Jointly Condemn US Attacks as Interim Gov’t Backs Maduro

An emergency session of the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to address the situation in Venezuela, with calls for a coordinated international response that respects human rights and prioritizes dialogue. The unfolding events may have significant implications for U.S.-Latin America relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.

Latin American countries strongly condemn US military action against Venezuela

• “The bombings on Venezuela’s territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line,” — Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

Reuters

• “Kidnapping a president is kidnapping a people’s sovereignty.” — Yván Gil, Venezuelan Foreign Minister

Venezuela: Latin American Countries Jointly Condemn US Attacks as Interim Gov’t Backs Maduro

• “The time is coming for all the narco-Chavista criminals. Their structure will finally collapse across the entire continent.” — Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador

The Sydney Morning Herald

• “The operation confirms return of Washington as policeman in its 'sphere of influence,' an idea that defined much of 19th and 20th centuries but had faded since (the) end of the Cold War,” — Brian Winter, Americas Quarterly Editor-in-Chief

Reuters