UPDATE: The U.S. has launched unprecedented airstrikes against Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro, raising immediate alarm across Latin America and the globe. This marks the most significant U.S. intervention in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
In a statement earlier today, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia announced the deployment of security forces along the Colombian-Venezuelan border in anticipation of a potential refugee crisis. Colombia, which hosts the largest Venezuelan diaspora, is bracing for an influx of displaced individuals fleeing the conflict.
President Petro confirmed multiple airstrikes in Caracas, targeting key military airbases, installations, and the legislative building. He condemned the U.S. actions as aggression against both Venezuela and Latin America, urgently calling for de-escalation to restore peace in the region.
Reactions from regional leaders have been swift. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva labeled the U.S. strikes an “unacceptable line,” invoking fears of historical foreign interference in Latin America. Lula’s condemnation comes amidst strained relations with Venezuela, particularly following Brazil’s refusal to recognize Maduro’s controversial 2024 election victory, seen as fraudulent by many.
Chile and Mexico have also voiced strong opposition, with Mexico denouncing the airstrikes as a violation of the U.N. Charter. Mexican officials are calling for an immediate cessation of aggression against Venezuela, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions.
In the midst of these tensions, President Trump spoke about the situation, claiming that Mexico is currently under the influence of drug cartels and suggesting that “something is gonna have to be done with Mexico.”
Cuba and Nicaragua, Venezuela’s closest allies, are closely monitoring developments. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. action as “state terrorism,” urging international intervention amid Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, which heavily relies on Venezuelan oil. Disruption in Venezuelan oil supplies could exacerbate an already desperate situation in Havana.
The global response is intensifying. Russia has condemned the airstrikes, with its Foreign Ministry calling them an “unacceptable assault” on Venezuela’s sovereignty. Russia reaffirmed its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and criticized the U.S. for its justifications for the strikes.
Similarly, China condemned the U.S. actions, labeling them a blatant violation of international law. The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed deep shock and concern that these actions threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Venezuela is now calling for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, raising questions about the legality of U.S. operations and the potential for escalating international tensions.
As the situation develops, the world watches closely, with implications for regional stability and international relations at stake. The urgency of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict cannot be overstated as nations react to this unprecedented act of military intervention.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
