ISLAMABAD – Venezuela’s capital Caracas, made global headlines. The sound of explosions shattered the calm, marking the start of a crisis that would echo far beyond Venezuela’s borders.
As the US launched a major operation and President Nicolás Maduro was detained, global powers scrambled to react, with Russia crying ‘armed aggression’ and Europe voicing alarm.”
The world was rocked early Saturday as the United States carried out what it described as a “large-scale attack” on Venezuela, arresting President Nicolás Maduro in an operation that sent shockwaves across Latin America and beyond.
Explosions echoed through Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, as low-flying aircraft roared over the city, signaling a dramatic escalation. The Maduro government condemned the operation as an “imperialist attack,” accusing Washington of striking both civilian and military installations and urging Venezuelan citizens to take to the streets in response.
Russia reacted swiftly and forcefully. In a statement released by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow branded the U.S. action an “act of armed aggression,” insisting that Venezuela has the right to determine its own future without external interference—especially military intervention.
Warning of dangerous escalation, Russia called for urgent dialogue to prevent the crisis from spiraling further and declared full solidarity with the Venezuelan government and people. Moscow also announced its support for convening an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The crisis triggered wave of international reactions. EU, Iran, UK, Spain, Indonesia, Belgium, Germany, and Italy all voiced concern, repeatedly stressing respect for international law and UN Charter.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Brussels is closely monitoring the situation, reiterating the EU’s position that Nicolás Maduro lacks legal legitimacy, while urging all sides to show restraint and abide by international law.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a defiant message, declaring that when an enemy seeks to impose itself by force, resistance is necessary. He said Iran would not bow to pressure, asserting that public support and faith in God would ultimately defeat the enemy. Spain’s Foreign Ministry called for de-escalation and negotiations, offering to help facilitate a peaceful, dialogue-based solution to the unfolding crisis.
In UK, reactions were sharply divided. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, described the U.S. action as extraordinary and contrary to international law, but controversially added that if it causes China and Russia to act more cautiously, it could be viewed as a positive development.
Meanwhile, Mark Weller, a leading expert at Chatham House, stressed that international law permits the use of force only under very limited conditions—conditions he said are not met in the case of Venezuela.
Indonesia and Belgium stressed safety of their citizens, calling for restraint and de-escalation. Germany announced that its Foreign Ministry is closely tracking events and has convened a crisis team meeting.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome is particularly focused on the security of the Italian community in Venezuela, with embassies on high alert.
US forces launch attacks on Caracas, other Venezuelan regions
