​The onset of 2026 saw a dramatic escalation in the long-standing political crisis in Venezuela after a major military action resulted in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro. On January 3, 2026, United States military forces conducted strikes on targets in Caracas and other locations in Venezuela, capturing Maduro and transferring him to U.S. custody to face criminal charges. U.S. leaders framed the operation as a law-enforcement mission aimed at combating alleged narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime, stressing it was not intended as a war against the Venezuelan people.

The use of force, however, sparked a sharp and polarized reaction across the globe. Many countries and regional blocs condemned the intervention as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law, warning that unilateral military actions risk undermining the principles of the United Nations Charter and setting dangerous precedents for global security. Latin American neighbors such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia voiced alarm at what they described as an assault on regional peace and a threat to stability in the Western Hemisphere. Major powers, including China, Russia, and Iran, also criticized the operation, labeling it aggression and warning of broader repercussions.

Within the United Nations Security Council, member states were divided. Supporters of the action argued it could pave the way for restoring democratic governance and rule of law in Venezuela, while opponents insisted that respect for state sovereignty and the non-use of force are foundational to international peace and security. Secretary-General António Guterres and other diplomats underscored the need for any resolution to adhere to established legal frameworks and multilateral norms.

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