By The South Asia Times

Washington — International condemnation surged after the United States carried out a large-scale military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

The highly controversial action — which US President Donald Trump confirmed and even publicized with a photo shared on his social media — has drawn sharp rebukes from countries across the globe, with critics decrying what they characterize as a breach of international law, an affront to sovereignty, and an unprecedented forcible kidnapping of an elected head of state.

Trump confirmed the strike late Saturday during a press briefing, describing the mission as “extraordinary” and saying US forces had captured Maduro and flown him to a US warship, the USS Iwo Jima, before transferring him toward New York.

He defended the operation as necessary to bring Maduro to justice on drug-related charges and suggested the US would “run” Venezuela temporarily until a transition could be arranged.

The president also shared an image on Truth Social that purportedly showed Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed aboard the USS Iwo Jima, drawing fierce global criticism over the optics and legality of the operation.

Countries around the world immediately denounced the military action.

China issued a strongly worded statement saying it was “deeply shocked” and condemned the US use of force against a sovereign nation and its head of state, demanding the immediate release of Maduro and his wife. Beijing warned the raid violated international law and threatened peace and security in the region. 

Russia called on US leadership to reconsider its position and release Maduro and Flores, labeling the raid an act of armed aggression that undermines diplomatic norms. Moscow urged de-escalation and dialogue rather than unilateral military action. 

Germany urged a political solution to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and a peaceful resolution that respects Venezuelan sovereignty. Berlin’s statement reflected broader European concerns over the legality and implications of unilateral military actions. 

France condemned the operation as undermining international law, stressing that no lasting solution can be imposed externally. The French foreign minister highlighted the need for respect for sovereign decisions by the Venezuelan people. 

Brazil and Mexico both criticized the US actions as threatening regional stability and violating the sovereign rights of Venezuela. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned the strike set a dangerous precedent for international conduct.

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro called the operation an assault on Latin American sovereignty and warned it could spark a humanitarian crisis. 

Countries such as Cuba and Iran also denounced the US strikes, while some US allies — including members of the European Union — expressed concern about escalation and called for restraint and adherence to international norms. 

Domestic and Regional Impact

Venezuela’s government declared a national emergency following the attacks, accusing the US of aggression and colonial-style intervention. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded immediate “proof of life” for Maduro and his wife, calling the situation a grave threat to Venezuelan sovereignty and regional stability. 

The United Nations has also voiced alarm, warning the operation could set a dangerous international precedent and urging respect for the UN Charter’s principles of sovereignty and non-interference. 

As global leaders weigh in, the incident has sparked intense debate over the future of US foreign policy, respect for international law, and the balance between combating alleged criminality and upholding sovereign rights. The fallout is expected to shape diplomatic relations and regional security calculations for months to come.