Credited from: AA
The United States has reportedly carried out military strikes inside Venezuela, a move that has prompted strong condemnation from global leaders. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro labeled the actions as "extremely serious military aggression," accusing the US of violating Venezuelan sovereignty. Following the strikes, Maduro's government declared a national emergency, claiming that both civilian and military targets were hit during the attacks, which also led to the reported capture of Maduro and his wife, according to statements from US President Donald Trump on social media aljazeera, Reuters, and aa.
International reactions have been swift and severe. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the strikes, urging for a return to peace and diplomacy in the region, while Cuba's government described the attack as "criminal," calling for urgent international attention. The U.S. action has been labeled as a "flagrant violation" of international law, with several nations echoing calls for a meeting of the UN Security Council to address the situation Reuters, CBS News, and aa.
In a strong statement, Russia openly criticized the US military strikes as "deeply concerning and condemnable," stating that ideological hostility has prevailed over constructive diplomacy. Russia emphasized the right of the Venezuelan people to self-determination and called for dialogue rather than military intervention. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko similarly condemned the strikes, warning of dire consequences and expressing support for Venezuela's sovereignty aa and aa.
European reactions have included calls for de-escalation and the protection of foreign nationals in Venezuela. European Union leaders, including Italy, Belgium, and Spain, have highlighted the need for actions to be consistent with international law, urging restraint while expressing their commitment to the safety of their citizens CBS News and Reuters.