Iran, Russia, the UN Secretary General and others on Saturday condemned the US raid on Caracas that resulted in Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife being extracted from the country.
US President Donald Trump announced the operation in a Truth Social post in the early hours of Saturday. He said at a later press conference that the US would “run” the country until it can ensure a “safe, proper and judicious transition”. Mr Maduro and his wife are expected to appear in a US court on several charges, including drug trafficking.
Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the operation, saying Caracas had the right to defend itself – though it did not address the capture of Mr Maduro. Venezuela and Iran are long-time allies.
Donald Trump says US will 'run' Venezuela 01:41
Russia condemned what it described as “armed aggression” against its ally. A Russian Foreign Ministry statement said it was now important to prevent further escalation and seek dialogue.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres “is deeply alarmed” by the situation is Venezuela, his spokesman said. Mr Guterres added that the action “has potential worrying implications for the region” and the “developments constitute a dangerous precedent”.
And China's Foreign Ministry said the “hegemonic” action violated international law and threatened peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Colombia, Venezuela's neighbour, also expressed “deep concern” over the strikes. President Gustavo Petro – who has frequently locked horns with Mr Trump and whom the US President has accused of involvement in the regional drug trade – made an “urgent call for de-escalation, exhorting all involved parties to refrain from actions that deepen the confrontation”.
Multiple explosions heard in Venezuela’s capital Caracas 00:43
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, another frequent opponent of Mr Trump, said the US actions “cross an unacceptable line”. “Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multi
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.