The reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces has triggered widespread international condemnation and renewed debate over international law and state sovereignty. US President Donald Trump announced that Maduro was taken to New York following what he described as a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela, adding that Washington would oversee the country until a “safe transition of power takes place.”
Trump also said US companies would take charge of Venezuela’s oil industry, while not ruling out deploying ground troops. The operation reportedly involved explosions and low-flying aircraft in Caracas, prompting Venezuela’s government to denounce the move as an “extremely serious military aggression” and declare a state of emergency, as Russia, China and Iran voiced support for Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Reacting at the United Nations, Venezuela’s Ambassador Samuel Moncada warned the Security Council that the action “has serious implications for regional and international peace and security.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern, saying, “These developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” and stressing the need for full respect for international law and the UN Charter.