Global backlash grows over US raid and capture of Venezuela's Maduro

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKEY — JAN. 3, 2026

International reactions are intensifying following the United States' admission of a military strike on Venezuela and President Donald Trump’s announcement that Nicolas Maduro has been "captured and removed" from the country.

While Washington’s allies in Argentina celebrated the move as a victory for freedom, the operation has drawn sharp condemnation from Russia and Iran, and prompted immediate military mobilization along the Colombian border due to fears of a humanitarian crisis.

Russia and Iran issue stern warnings

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed "deep concern" over what it termed an "armed attack" by the United States. Moscow demanded an immediate explanation regarding the whereabouts and legal status of Maduro and his wife.

"Venezuela must be granted the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, external military intervention," the Russian statement read. "Such actions, if they took place, are a violation of the sovereignty of an independent state. Respect for sovereignty is a fundamental principle of international law."

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a defiant message, urging resistance against US imposition. "We will not bow to the enemy," Khamenei stated.

In response to the rhetoric from Tehran, President Trump issued a counter-threat via social media, warning that the US is "ready to strike" if Iranian authorities kill protesters during domestic unrest.

Latin America divided: Troops at the border

The operation has deepened political fractures across South America. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a leftist leader, ordered the immediate deployment of troops to the Venezuelan border.

Petro condemned Washington's actions as an assault on Latin American sovereignty and warned that the power vacuum could trigger a massive humanitarian disaster. He emphasized that the situation should be resolved through "dialogue" rather than force.

Conversely, Argentina’s far-right President Javier Milei, a staunch US ally, celebrated the news. Quoting Trump’s announcement on social media, Milei claimed the operation proved that "freedom is advancing."

Chilean President Gabriel Boric took a moderate stance, expressing concern over the military action while calling for a peaceful solution to avoid a broader regional conflict.

Colombian military personnel enforce security measures along the porous border with Venezuela. (Photo: Leonardo Fernández Viloria / Reuters)

Silence in Ankara draws opposition ire

While the Turkish government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the attack, the main opposition party has criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his silence.

Speaking at a rally, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel highlighted the shift in Erdoğan's stance compared to previous years.

"When Maduro did not conduct fair elections, he was doing wrong. Back then, Erdoğan called him 'My brother Maduro,'" Özel said. "Today, he cannot say a single word about Trump—to whom he sacrificed our precious lands just to get an appointment—kidnapping Maduro from his country."

Spain offers mediation

Amid the escalating tensions, Spain has offered to mediate between the parties to de-escalate the situation. The Spanish Foreign Ministry called for restraint, positioning itself as a diplomatic bridge. Notably, Madrid had not recognized the results of the disputed July 2024 Venezuelan elections, and the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia had previously fled to Spain.

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