January 3 2026 Caracas and Washington
The United States military operation that struck Venezuela and removed President Nicolas Maduro from power has triggered global outrage diplomatic condemnation and street protests as critics say the action violated international law and Venezuelas national sovereignty
President Donald Trump confirmed early Saturday that US forces carried out coordinated strikes inside Venezuela captured Maduro and his wife and flew them out of the country The White House said the United States will remain in Venezuela until a political transition is secured
PROTESTS IN VENEZUELA AGAINST THE UNITED STATES
In Caracas and several major cities Venezuelans flooded the streets hours after the announcement Many protesters openly condemned the US intervention chanting anti American slogans waving Venezuelan flags and in some cases burning American flags
Supporters of the former government accused the United States of launching a foreign invasion to impose regime change Civilian militias and pro government groups mobilized in working class neighborhoods setting up roadblocks and vowing resistance
One protester in central Caracas said this is an act of war No foreign power has the right to decide our president
While some opposition figures welcomed Madurados removal the scenes on the ground showed a deeply divided country with anger fear and uncertainty dominating many areas
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SAYS US VIOLATED INTERNATIONAL LAW
Governments around the world accused the United States of violating international law citing the United Nations Charter which prohibits the use of force against another country without self defense or UN authorization
China said the operation was a serious breach of international law and warned it sets a dangerous precedent Russia called the capture of Maduro illegal and demanded his release Iran described the strike as a blatant violation of sovereignty
Latin American leaders including Brazil Colombia and Mexico condemned the operation warning it could destabilize the region and spark wider conflict
The United Nations secretary general said the US action undermines the rules based international order and urged restraint and respect for international law
Several European governments echoed those concerns saying even disputed leaders cannot be removed through unilateral military force
US DEFENDS THE OPERATION
The Trump administration defended the action arguing Maduro was no longer a legitimate head of state US officials pointed to allegations of narco trafficking human rights abuses and regional instability
Some US allies and regional leaders supportive of Madurados removal said the action was morally justified even if legally controversial given Venezuelas economic collapse and mass migration crisis
Venezuelan exile communities particularly in the United States celebrated the development with large crowds gathering and calling for free elections
DEBATE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES
The operation sparked sharp debate in Washington Supporters praised the decisive move while critics including constitutional scholars and lawmakers questioned whether the president had authority to launch the operation without congressional approval
Several members of Congress warned the action could lead to a prolonged US presence in Venezuela and weaken international norms
WHAT COMES NEXT
As protests continue inside Venezuela and diplomatic pressure builds the future of the country remains uncertain
What is clear is that the removal of Nicolas Maduro has reopened a global debate over sovereignty military intervention and the limits of American power
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