The United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, shocked the international community after announcing a sudden and unannounced military operation targeting Venezuela on January 3, 2026.
In a statement released by the White House, President Trump claimed that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured during the operation and removed from Venezuelan territory.
The U.S. administration described the move as a necessary action to restore democracy and stability in the South American nation, which has faced prolonged political and economic turmoil.
The announcement immediately triggered strong reactions across the world. Several countries, including Russia and Iran, condemned the action, describing it as an “act of armed aggression” and a violation of international law. They argued that no country has the authority to launch military action against another sovereign state without approval from the United Nations.
Venezuela’s neighbour, Colombia, called for restraint and urged all parties to prioritize dialogue over violence, warning that further escalation could destabilize the entire Latin American region.
Global leaders and international legal experts emphasized the importance of respecting international law and the principles of state sovereignty. Many urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency meeting to assess the situation and explore peaceful solutions to prevent a wider conflict.
While some voices particularly among critics of the Maduro government supported the U.S. position, labeling Maduro a dictator, even many of those supporters acknowledged that any intervention must follow established international legal frameworks.
Analysts warn that the incident could mark a dangerous turning point for regional and global security. There are growing fears that the situation could escalate into prolonged conflict, draw in foreign powers, and further strain already fragile international relations.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, with the world closely watching how Venezuela, the United States, and global institutions respond in the coming days.
