Several countries, including Iran, Russia, Colombia, and Cuba, have reacted strongly to the United States’ reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, announced by US President Donald Trump, who said the couple was flown out of the country following their capture.
The Venezuelan government has demanded proof of life for Maduro and his wife, describing the US action as “extremely serious military aggression” and declaring a state of emergency. Allies of Caracas have also denounced the operation.
Russia condemned the US military action as “an act of armed aggression against Venezuela,” with its Foreign Ministry stating: “This is deeply concerning and condemnable. The pretexts used to justify such actions are untenable. Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism.”
Iran added that it “strongly condemns the US military attack on Venezuela and a flagrant violation of the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the capture as a US “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America, warning it could trigger a humanitarian crisis. Petro, whose country is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council this year, called for the body to convene “immediately.”
Cuba, a close ally of Venezuela, denounced the operation as “state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people,” with President Miguel Diaz-Canel urging “a response from the international community” following what he called a “criminal attack” on Caracas.
The incident has drawn widespread international condemnation and heightened tensions in Latin America and beyond.