Nations Slam Trump’s Military Strike in Venezuela

International leaders reacted swiftly after President Trump confirmed US military strikes in Venezuela and announced the capture of the country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Kerry Breen reported for CBS News.

The capture of Maduro and his wife was deemed a “clear violation of international law” and a threat to the region's sovereignty. (Photo: United States Department of Defense)

Many US adversaries — including some of Venezuela’s nearest neighbors — condemned the strikes, while other governments called for de-escalation and voiced concern for their citizens in the Latin American nation.

Colombia, which shares a border with Venezuela, urged urgent de-escalation, saying it had “implemented steps to protect the civilian population, preserve stability on the Colombian-Venezuelan border, and promptly address any potential humanitarian or migration needs.”

CNN reported that Russia and Iran condemned the US action as a flagrant violation of Venezuela’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Other nations criticized Trump, calling the United States a lawless actor.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the operation as a “criminal US attack,” urging an “urgent reaction from the international community.”

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called the US action a “serious affront” to Venezuela’s sovereignty, the Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

He said the strikes and capture of Maduro “cross an unacceptable line” and threaten “the preservation of the region as a zone of peace.”

AFP also reported that China demanded the US release Maduro and his wife, describing the US military strike — which it said killed 40 Venezuelans — as a “clear violation of international law.”