World rejects US strikes, Maduro capture sparks global outrage

CARACAS/WASHINGTON (MNTV) – Governments across the world have strongly rejected the United States after President Donald Trump announced a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela and claimed the capture and removal of democratically elected President Nicolas Maduro, triggering widespread diplomatic backlash and fears of regional escalation.

Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino condemned what he described as the presence of foreign troops on Venezuelan soil, denouncing the US operation as a violation of national sovereignty.

In a video address, Padrino said Venezuela “rejects with all the strength of its history” any foreign military intervention, accusing Washington of bringing “death, pain and destruction” to the region. He added that authorities were still gathering information on casualties following the strikes.

Padrino further said Caracas would raise its strongest denunciation before the international community and multilateral organizations, accusing the United States of breaching the UN Charter and international law.

Venezuela later declared a national emergency, alleging that US forces struck civilian and military sites across several states.

Iran was among the first countries to react, with its Foreign Ministry calling the US attack a “blatant violation” of Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement, Tehran said the strikes clearly violated Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force, and described the operation as an act of aggression that must be immediately condemned by the United Nations.

Iran reaffirmed Venezuela’s right to self-defense and urged the UN Security Council to act to halt what it termed “illegal US aggression.”

Russia also condemned the reported strikes, saying they had “no substantive basis” and clearly violated international law.

Konstantin Kosachev, deputy speaker of Russia’s Federation Council, said Venezuela posed no threat to the United States and warned against replacing international law with what he described as “rules imposed by force.”

Moscow expressed confidence that the “global majority” would distance itself from the attack and condemn Washington’s actions, while the Russian Foreign Ministry said it would issue a formal statement on the developments.

Cuba issued a sharply worded response, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel accusing the United States of carrying out a “criminal” and “terrorist” attack against Venezuela.

Havana called for an urgent international reaction, saying the assault targeted not only the Venezuelan people but the wider Latin American region, which it described as a “zone of peace.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro also reacted, calling on the international community to uphold peace, international law, and the protection of human life. He warned that armed confrontation would only deepen instability in the region.

Spain urged de-escalation and respect for international law, offering to play a mediating role to help find a peaceful solution. Madrid stressed the need for dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

The US strikes were confirmed by American media outlets, including CBS News and Fox News, citing officials who said military facilities inside Venezuela were targeted. Trump later claimed on social media that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country, though details of their whereabouts remain contested.

Multiple explosions were reported in Caracas, with videos on social media showing smoke rising over parts of the capital and air-raid sirens sounding.

As tensions continue to rise, international calls are growing for restraint, accountability, and an urgent diplomatic response to prevent further escalation in Venezuela and the wider region.