Domestic and International Criticism Mounts over US Attack in Venezuela

Top Venezuelan officials say they will remain unified behind President Nicolas Maduro, who remains in custody in New York after he was captured in a US military operation over the weekend.

epa12627128 Armed federal law enforcement officers patrol outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), where Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela is being held in New York, New York, USA, 04 January 2026. US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a military operation on 03 January 2026. President Maduro and his wife were transported to New York following an indictment issued by the Southern District of New York. EPA/OLGA FEDOROVA Source: EPA / OLGA FEDOROVA/EPA

Leaders around the world have responded with a mix of condemnation and support of the US military operation.

Israel, Ecuador and Argentina are among those who have congratulated President Trump on the action, while China, Russia, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Spain have joined others in expressing serious concern over the United States' failure to comply with international law.

The United Nations Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, says the military operation shows a complete disregard for the law.

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