August M
A dramatic U.S. military action in Venezuela has prompted swift international reaction, with allies and rivals questioning its legality and consequences. As details emerged, attention quickly shifted from the operation itself to its diplomatic fallout.
The episode has intensified debate over Washington’s use of force abroad.
Global alarm first
According to the Daily Express, international criticism spread rapidly following news of the raid. Several Latin American governments — including Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and Cuba — issued statements expressing concern over what they described as a breach of international law.
Iran condemned the action as a violation of national sovereignty. Venezuela declared a state of national emergency and denounced what it called U.S. military aggression.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected” and warned the operation risked setting a “dangerous precedent”.
What happened
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas during a covert U.S. special forces mission.
They were removed from the country and transferred to the United States to face narco-terrorism charges in New York. Donald Trump accused Maduro of running the Cartel de los Soles and described him as an illegitimate leader.
U.S. officials said the mission followed months of preparation and was designed to neutralise what Washington called a criminal threat, notes the Daily Express.
Beijing and Moscow
China and Russia, both close partners of Caracas, reacted angrily. Beijing said it was seriously concerned about Maduro’s removal and argued the operation violated international norms and the UN Charter, urging Washington to resolve disputes through dialogue.
Moscow accused the U.S. of armed aggression and warned the action could destabilise the region, according to the Express.
The seizure was widely described as humiliating for both governments, given their long-standing support for Maduro.
Mixed reactions abroad
Not all responses were negative. Argentine President Javier Milei praised the operation, saying: “Freedom moves forward – long live freedom.” Celebrations were also reported in parts of Chile.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government would engage with U.S. counterparts while seeking “a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate Government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people”.
Trump’s message
Trump said the U.S. would oversee Venezuela temporarily until a transition could be secured. He warned that American influence in the region would not be challenged again.
Former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers said such missions typically require months of preparation, highlighting the scale of the operation.
As governments assess the implications, the raid has reignited arguments over sovereignty, power and the limits of military intervention.
Sources: Daily Express
