Srinagar- International reaction mounted swiftly after the United States launched airstrikes in Venezuela and reported the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, drawing sharp condemnation from governments across Latin America and beyond.
UN Chief
“These developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” spokesman for the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. “The Secretary-General continues to emphasise the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected.”
Colombia
President Gustavo Petro said the world must be alerted to the attack on Venezuela. In posts on social media, Petro rejected what he called aggression against Venezuela and Latin America, urging respect for international law, peace and human dignity over armed confrontation.
Cuba
President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. action as a “criminal attack” and described it as “state terrorism.” Cuba called for an urgent international response, saying its declared “zone of peace” was under assault.
Chile
President Gabriel Boric expressed concern and condemnation over the U.S. military actions, calling for a peaceful solution to Venezuela’s crisis. He reaffirmed Chile’s commitment to international law, non-intervention and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Mexico
President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the military intervention and cited the United Nations Charter, emphasizing that countries must refrain from the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of other states.
Brazil
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the U.S. attack crossed an “unacceptable line,” warning it could fuel global instability. He urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to respond, citing past U.S. interference in Latin America.
China
A foreign ministry statement in Beijing said, “China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the U.S. against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country.”
Russia
Russia has called the US move at the UN “cowboy behaviour”. Russia clearly believes that the US wants to control Venezuela’s oil resources under the guise of eradicating drugs. “This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable.”
“The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded. Ideological animosity has prevailed over business pragmatism and the willingness to build relationships based on trust and predictability.”
Iran
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticised what he described as coercion by the United States, calling on nations to resist external pressure. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. attack on Venezuela “as a blatant violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” It called on the UN Security Council to “act immediately to halt the unlawful aggression” and hold those responsible accountable.
Israel
Israel’s foreign minister hailed the American attacks and said Washington acted as the “leader of the free world”.
