World divided as US forces capture Maduro in Venezuela raids

A massive US military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro has ignited a firestorm of international conflict, as world leaders clash over the legality of the strike. 

The mission, punctuated by heavy explosions in Caracas, has forced a global debate on the use of force and the stability of Latin America.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres led the outcry, warning that the operation disregarded international law and set a «dangerous precedent». Guterres demanded an inclusive dialogue rooted in human rights and the rule of law.

NEIGHBOURS ON HIGH ALERT

Latin American leaders reacted with immediate fury and military posturing:

Colombia: President Gustavo Petro deployed troops to the border, denouncing the US attack as a strike against regional sovereignty.

Brazil: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the move as a «serious violation» that threatens regional peace.

Mexico: Officials slammed the “unilateral bombings,” warning of a total breakdown in regional stability.

Conversely, Argentina’s Javier Milei hailed the operation and reaffirmed his support for Donald Trump. Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa also backed the move, declaring it “time for accountability” for the Maduro regime.

KAMALA HARRIS SLAMS «ILLEGAL AND ABSURD» STRIKE

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris launched a scathing attack on the operation via social media. While acknowledging Maduro as a «violent, illegitimate dictator», she insisted the mission did not make America «safer, stronger, or more affordable».

«We have seen this movie before», Harris wrote. «Regime change wars or oil wars presented as strength, but turning into chaos… This isn’t about drugs or democracy. It’s about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman.» She warned the President is risking troops and spending billions with «no exit plan».

GLOBAL CONDEMNATION AND SUPPORT

The capture has drawn a sharp line between traditional adversaries and allies:

China & Russia: Beijing expressed “deep shock” at the blatant violation of sovereignty, while Moscow condemned the attack on its key regional ally.

Iran: Officials branded the operation illegal and a breach of international law.

The EU: Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for immediate de-escalation, while Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, stressing any solution must follow the UN Charter.

UK & France: London confirmed it took no part in the raid but backed a political transition; Paris reiterated that Maduro led a “dictatorship” but urged a peaceful democratic shift.

Israel: Leaders welcomed the removal of Maduro, calling it a «historic moment».