Protests Erupt in Caracas as Maduro is Detained; International Condemnation Mounts
Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have taken to the streets of the capital, Caracas, protesting his alleged capture and that of his wife. Chants of “we want Maduro” echoed through the city as loyalists, led by Caracas Mayor Carmen Meléndez, marched against what she termed a “kidnapping.” Mayor Meléndez, clad in military attire, declared her intention to demonstrate against the actions she described as an abduction.
The situation has drawn swift condemnation from a broad spectrum of international actors. Russia, the African Union, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, several Latin American leaders, and Nigerian activists have all voiced their opposition to the reported US involvement.
A Dangerous Precedent and Undermining of International Law
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stern warning, stating that the reported move by the United States sets “a dangerous precedent” and risks undermining international law. In a statement released from New York, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric conveyed Guterres’s deep alarm regarding the escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas in recent months, which seemingly culminated in the early-morning military operation announced by the US.
The African Union, in a communiqué, reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to international law. The organization emphasized the critical importance of respecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inherent right of peoples to self-determination.
Opposition Welcomes Intervention, Hopes for Change
Conversely, opponents of the Venezuelan government have expressed optimism that the detention of President Maduro and his wife could herald a significant change in the country’s leadership. Following reports of Maduro’s capture, the streets of Venezuela appeared calm as dawn broke. While soldiers were observed patrolling certain areas, small gatherings of Maduro’s supporters began to form in Caracas.
However, a palpable sense of relief was also evident among some Venezuelans. Carolina Pimentel, a 37-year-old merchant in Maracay, shared her feelings with Reuters, stating, “I’m happy, I doubted for a moment that it was happening because it’s like a movie. It’s all calm now, but I feel like at any moment everyone will be out celebrating.” Many Venezuelans who have emigrated from the country since Maduro assumed power, a group estimated to be around eight million, reportedly celebrated openly in their new cities.
The “Hour of Freedom” and a New Presidential Mandate
Venezuela’s opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado, publicly welcomed the reported US intervention, declaring that the country’s “hour of freedom” had arrived. She announced via social media that President Maduro had been removed from power after refusing a negotiated exit. Machado asserted that the opposition’s candidate for the 2024 elections, Edmundo González, should now “assume” the presidency. She further pledged that the opposition would work to restore order and release political prisoners.
Concerns Over Destabilization and US Control
Despite the widespread relief and celebration among some segments of the Venezuelan population and the opposition, certain vocal critics of Maduro expressed unease regarding US intervention. Fears were voiced that such actions could lead to further destabilization within the nation. These critics have also voiced reservations about Machado’s close alignment with the Trump administration. However, some proponents view this intervention as a last resort to dismantle what they perceive as an authoritarian and oppressive regime.
Trump Hails “Spectacular Assault” and Claims Control
President Donald Trump described the reported military operation in Venezuela as a demonstration of “overwhelming military power and a spectacular assault.” Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, flanked by senior officials including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump stated, “This was one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American might and competence in American history.”
He highlighted that no American military personnel were harmed and no US military equipment was lost during the operation, with the primary objective of capturing Nicolás Maduro and his wife successfully achieved. Trump further announced that American officials would assume control of Venezuela.
“We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump declared. He added, “We can’t take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn’t have the interests of Venezuelans in mind.”
Trump asserted that a US “partnership” would lead to the Venezuelan people becoming “rich, independent and safe,” and that Venezuelans residing in the US would experience relief from suffering. He characterized Maduro as an “illegitimate dictator” responsible for the influx of “colossal amounts of deadly illicit drugs” into the US, accusing him of overseeing the Cartel de los Soles. Maduro has consistently denied these accusations. Trump also suggested that US companies would invest in Venezuela’s oil sector, which he called a “bust,” to rebuild infrastructure and generate revenue.
Second Wave Prepared, Lights Out in Caracas
Trump indicated that the US had been prepared to launch a “second wave” of attacks, anticipating it would be necessary. However, given the success of the initial operation, he deemed it unlikely. “No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday. All Venezuelan military capabilities were rendered powerless in the attack,” he claimed. He also noted that the lights in Caracas were deliberately extinguished during the operation, attributing it to “a certain expertise” possessed by America. He invoked the sentiment of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, stating, “If you break it, you own it.”
Maduro and Wife En Route to New York, Facing Charges
The US President confirmed that Maduro and his wife were apprehended at a heavily fortified residence and were being transported to New York. He acknowledged “a few injuries but no deaths on our side.” Maduro is expected to face arraignment in a New York Federal Court in the Southern District of New York, potentially as early as Monday. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that Maduro had been indicted in New York on drug and weapons charges and would “face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”
While Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Russia have publicly demanded “proof of life” for Maduro, President Trump released a photograph purportedly showing Maduro onboard the USS Iwo Jima, blindfolded and wearing ear defenders.
Russia and Latin American Leaders Denounce US Action
Russia, along with leaders from Latin America and several other nations, has strongly condemned the reported US military action in Venezuela, labeling it unjustified and a clear violation of international law. Russia issued a statement asserting that there was no justifiable reason for the attack, accusing Washington of allowing ideological animosity to supersede diplomatic efforts. Venezuela remains Russia’s primary ally in South America, though Moscow has not committed to direct military support in the event of a conflict with the US.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that Colombia rejected what he termed aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and Latin America. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel accused Washington of orchestrating a “criminal attack” and described the action as state terrorism against Venezuela and the broader region.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed concern and condemnation, advocating for a peaceful resolution to Venezuela’s ongoing crisis. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also condemned the military intervention, citing the UN Charter’s prohibition against the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared that the US bombings and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro had crossed an unacceptable threshold. He argued that attacking countries in flagrant violation of international law opens the door to violence, chaos, and instability, where the rule of the powerful supplants multilateralism and global cooperation.
Nigerian Activists Draw Parallels to Past Interventions
The US operation has also drawn criticism from Nigeria. Former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani condemned the action, drawing parallels to previous US-led regime change efforts in Iraq and Libya. He accused the US President of acting without congressional approval and in disregard for international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore likewise criticized the move, describing it as an illegal regime change agenda and condemning what he termed the kidnapping of Venezuela’s elected leader and his wife.
