World Leaders Condemn U.S. Strikes on Venezuela, Warn of Global Escalation

CARACAS, Venezuela — The United States carried out large-scale military strikes on Venezuela early Saturday, triggering widespread international condemnation after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and removed from the country, a claim strongly denied by Caracas.

According to reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera, explosions were heard across Caracas and surrounding regions as U.S. forces targeted military and strategic facilities. The strikes marked the most serious escalation in U.S. Venezuela relations in years and immediately raised concerns over regional and global stability.

In a social media statement, Trump said, “The United States has successfully carried out a decisive operation,” adding that Maduro and his wife were taken into custody. Venezuelan authorities rejected the claim, calling it “false and provocative.”

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the operation, stating, “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela denounces before the world an illegal and criminal act of military aggression that violates our sovereignty,” according to Reuters. The government declared a nationwide state of emergency and activated its national defense systems.

The strikes drew swift responses from world leaders.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry described the U.S. action as “an act of armed aggression that violates international law,” warning it could destabilize Latin America and beyond, Reuters reported.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the strikes as “a flagrant violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty,” urging the international community to act to prevent further escalation.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the U.S. operation “a criminal attack and state terrorism,” writing on social media that it threatened peace across the region, according to AP News.

In neighboring Colombia, President Gustavo Petro rejected unilateral military intervention and called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting, citing fears of a refugee influx and regional instability.

European leaders also voiced concern. Spain’s government urged restraint and offered to mediate, while Germany’s Foreign Ministry said it was “monitoring the situation very closely,” emphasizing the protection of civilians and diplomatic solutions.

At the United Nations, a special rapporteur on human rights described the strikes as “illegal under international law” and warned of potential civilian casualties, according to Anadolu Agency. Calls for an urgent Security Council session are growing amid fears the crisis could widen.

Analysts warn that the unfolding crisis could reshape geopolitical alignments, disrupt energy markets, and trigger humanitarian consequences across the region. With conflicting claims over Maduro’s status and no immediate sign of de-escalation, the situation remains fluid as global powers press for diplomatic engagement.