On January 3, 2026, the United States executed airstrikes across northern Venezuela, resulting in the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The military intervention sparked a global wave of reactions, with nations and international organizations weighing in on the legality and implications of the operation.
Global Reactions
South America
Argentina’s President Milei celebrated Maduro’s capture, while Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Peru expressed varied degrees of condemnation and support for democratic processes. Brazil’s President Lula condemned the strikes, and Uruguay called for a peaceful solution.
Asia
Bangladesh urged peaceful resolution and respect for international law. China strongly condemned the U.S. for violating Venezuela’s sovereignty and called for international condemnation of the act. Israel commended the U.S. operation, viewing it as a step towards restoring democracy and freeing Venezuela from the grip of a narco-terrorist network. Indonesia called for de-escalation and respect for international law, while Malaysia opposed foreign intervention and urged restraint.
Europe
Albania backed the U.S. action, highlighting its alliance commitment. Belarus and Bosnia and Herzegovina expressed concern over the escalation and called for a peaceful transition. Croatia reaffirmed its stance against the legitimacy of Maduro’s regime but advocated for international law adherence. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, and Greece urged respect for international law and peaceful resolutions. Georgia called on Venezuela to revoke its recognition of breakaway regions. Poland’s Prime Minister Tusk highlighted the global impact of the operation, while Romania’s President Vučić noted the breach of international law. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Fico criticized the U.S. for disregarding the world order. Slovenia’s Prime Minister Golob denounced the U.S. intervention as unacceptable.
Africa
Senegal expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and emphasized adherence to international law. Somaliland, with limited international recognition, supported the U.S. action, believing it could lead to a peaceful transition. South Africa condemned the strikes as a breach of the United Nations Charter and called for an urgent Security Council meeting.
North America
Canada’s Foreign Minister expressed concern over the developments, emphasizing diplomacy. The U.S. action was met with condemnation from Mexico, while Peru welcomed the end of Maduro’s regime. Nicaragua stood in solidarity with Venezuela, condemning U.S. aggression.
Oceania
Australia’s Prime Minister called for peaceful, diplomatic solutions, while New Zealand urged all parties to respect international law.
International Organizations
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed concern over the U.S. action, calling it a dangerous precedent and urging respect for international law. The Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Albert Ramdin called for restraint and adherence to international law. The European Union’s High Representative, Kaja Kallas, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela.
Financial Markets
The intervention had a limited impact on global oil markets, with prices experiencing minor fluctuations. The situation in Venezuela, marked by deep political and economic crises, saw little immediate effect on oil production, which remains a minor global player.
Source: Wikipedia
