The US military action against Venezuela has sparked global condemnation, posing a serious challenge to the international order.

The US military launched a surprise attack on Caracas in the early hours of the morning, blindfolding and handcuffing President Maduro and taking him to the United States. This action has been condemned by many countries as an "act of hegemony."

In the early hours of January 3rd local time, the night sky over Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, was torn apart by explosions and air raid sirens. The US launched a large-scale military strike against the South American capital, capturing President Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country.

This action has triggered a strong reaction from the international community. From Latin American countries to European allies, from Russia to South Africa, many governments have condemned the US action as a serious violation of international law and the UN Charter.

01 Details of the Military Operation and the US Position

This military operation, whose code name has not yet been released, took place at approximately 2:00 AM local time. The US military deployed forces including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, involving more than 150 aircraft. The operation lasted approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

According to reports, Maduro was captured by US Delta Force. Following the attack, Trump posted a photo on social media of Maduro in handcuffs and blindfolded, claiming he was aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

Trump then declared at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Florida that the US would "manage" Venezuela until a "secure" transition was implemented. He stated that if necessary, the US would launch a "larger" "second wave" of attacks.

The US accused Maduro and his wife of "deadly drug terrorism" against the US, and they will be indicted in the Southern District of New York.

02 Venezuela's Response and Domestic Situation

The Venezuelan government responded swiftly. After the attack, the Venezuelan government issued a statement strongly condemning the US for its "extremely serious military aggression" against Venezuela and declaring a national emergency.

Venezuelan Vice President Rodriguez addressed the nation on state television, saying that Maduro is Venezuela's "only president" and that Venezuela will never become a colony of any country. She demanded the release of Maduro and his wife, whom the US had "kidnapped," and called on the Venezuelan people to remain calm, face the challenges together, and defend national sovereignty.

Venezuelan Defense Minister López Obrador addressed the nation, condemning the US attack as "despicable and cowardly" and demanding that the country avoid "chaos and anarchy." He called for a united front to confront "the worst aggression in history."

Venezuela has submitted four demands to the UN Security Council: an emergency meeting to discuss the US act of aggression; a strong condemnation of the US armed aggression against the Venezuelan people and government; an immediate cessation of the US military attack; and the taking of necessary measures to hold the US government accountable for its aggression.

03 A Global Wave of Condemnation

Latin American countries collectively voiced their opposition. Brazilian President Lula condemned the US action as a serious violation of Venezuelan sovereignty, setting an extremely dangerous precedent in the international community, and "the first step the world is taking towards violence, chaos, and instability."

Colombian President Petro warned on social media: "A warning to the world: Venezuela is under attack!" He called on the Organization of American States and the UN Security Council to hold an immediate emergency meeting.

Cuban President Díaz-Canel stated: "Our peaceful region (Latin America) is suffering a brutal attack. This is an act of state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and our Americas."

Major global powers expressed cautious yet firm stances. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing extreme shock at reports that Maduro and his wife had been "forcibly removed from the country," demanding immediate clarification from the US and "strongly urging" the US to release Maduro.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry "strongly condemned the US military attack on Venezuela," calling it "a blatant violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Many Western allies expressed "extreme concern" over the US actions. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Karas called for "respect for the principles of international law and the UN Charter." British Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that "the UK had no involvement in this operation," while stating that "everyone should abide by international law."

04 Historical Background and Strategic Intent

This military operation was not without warning. Since August of last year, the CIA had deployed a small team to infiltrate Venezuela, gathering information about Maduro's daily routine and whereabouts.

On October 15, 2025, US President Trump stated that he had authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. These actions laid the foundation for this military strike.

At a press conference, Trump also mentioned that major US oil companies would enter Venezuela and invest billions of dollars to repair its severely dilapidated oil infrastructure. This statement revealed the economic strategic intent behind the military action.

Trump also mentioned the Monroe Doctrine, stating that US relations with Venezuela seriously violated core US diplomatic principles, including the Monroe Doctrine, and that under his administration's new national security strategy, US dominance in the Western Hemisphere would no longer be questioned.

05 Protests in Multiple Countries and Domestic Reactions in the US

The US military action against Venezuela sparked protests in multiple countries. In Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, people gathered near the presidential palace to condemn the US military aggression.

People from all walks of life in Cuba held a rally in front of the US embassy in Cuba, strongly condemning the US military invasion of Venezuela. In Mexico City, the Mexican capital, local residents protested outside the US embassy, ​​calling for respect for national sovereignty and opposing foreign interference.

Anti-war demonstrations broke out in many parts of the United States. In Washington, D.C., people gathered outside the White House, holding signs that read "No War on Venezuela," "No Bloodshed for Oil," and "Stop U.S. Interference in Latin America."

Domestic U.S. politicians also expressed opposition to the action. Republican Senator Mike Lee questioned on social media: "What constitutional basis justifies this action without a declaration of war or authorization to use force?"

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrat Schatz stated that the U.S. has "no significant national interests" that can serve as a pretext for war in Venezuela, adding, "We should have learned not to take foolish risks again."

06 Profound Impacts on the International Order

The U.S. military action against Venezuela will have a profound impact on the international order. UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed deep shock at the recent escalation of the situation in Venezuela, noting that the U.S. military action in the country could have "worrying consequences" for the region.

This event reflects the challenge that unilateralism poses to the multilateral system. Many countries emphasized that military action without Security Council authorization seriously undermines the authority of the United Nations and could fuel the "survival of the fittest" mentality.

A power vacuum could lead to a collapse of public order, triggering civil war or a possible military coup. It remains unclear whether the US will escalate its latest military action.

International media outlets have also condemned the move. The Guardian published a commentary stating that the US-led extradition of Venezuelan President Maduro will terrify and shock the world. The article argues that the coup is illegal, unprovoked, and will undermine regional and global stability.