Six nations condemn US military operation in Venezuela

Monday 05 January 2026 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Six nations condemn US military operation in Venezuela

Six countries have issued a joint statement sharply criticizing the United States' military operation in Venezuela that led to President Nicolás Maduro's capture, labeling it a blatant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay voiced deep concern over the unilateral military action on Venezuelan soil. They argued it violates core principles of international law, particularly the ban on the use or threat of force. The nations warned that such moves set a perilous precedent for regional peace and security while endangering civilians. Their declaration also raised alarms about any external attempts to seize control of natural or strategic resources, echoing U.S. President Donald Trump's statements about directing Venezuela and deploying American oil firms to the country with the world's largest proven petroleum reserves. Such interference, they said, undermines political, economic, and social stability across the region.

China and Russia demanded Maduro's immediate release. Beijing's foreign ministry urged Washington to ensure the safety of Maduro and his wife, free them without delay, halt efforts to undermine Venezuela's state authority, and pursue dialogue instead. Moscow condemned the operation as an assault on a sovereign nation's elected leader and called on U.S. officials to reverse course.

The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency session for Monday morning in New York, requested by Colombia and backed by China and Russia. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed profound alarm at the military strikes, cautioning they establish a dangerous precedent regardless of Venezuela's internal dynamics. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, highlighted serious worries over the disregard for international legal norms.

European responses remained divided and cautious. The European Union urged all parties to exercise calm and restraint, stressing adherence to international law and the UN Charter without directly condemning the U.S. action; 26 member states endorsed this stance. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot deemed the operation a violation of the non-use-of-force principle, warning of dire global security implications from repeated breaches by Security Council permanent members. Yet President Emmanuel Macron emphasized support for opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia in any transition. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez aligned with Latin American leftist governments, rejecting any recognition of an intervention flouting international law. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted no tears for Maduro's regime's end but reaffirmed commitment to legal standards. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the legal assessment complex and worthy of careful thought.

Dubbed Operation Absolute Determination, the assault involved over 150 U.S. aircraft and resulted in at least 40 deaths, per Venezuelan reports. Maduro and his wife were flown to New York to face drug trafficking charges.