U.N. Security Council Convenes Following Venezuela Strikes: NPR

The recent U.S. airstrikes in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, have sparked widespread international reactions. This intervention marks a significant moment in the region, reminiscent of the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama.

Regional Reactions to U.S. Intervention

The strikes have prompted a mixture of condemnation and limited support across Latin America. In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro deployed security forces along the Venezuelan border in anticipation of a possible influx of refugees. He described the military strikes in Caracas, which included targeted facilities such as a military airbase and legislative buildings, as aggressive actions against Venezuela.

• Petro’s administration emphasizes the need for de-escalation.
• Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the actions as a dangerous precedent for U.S. interference in Latin America.
• Mexico labeled the strikes a violation of the U.N. Charter, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Cuba and Nicaragua, strong allies of Venezuela, reacted sharply. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. maneuver as “state terrorism,” advocating for urgent international intervention.

Support for U.S. Actions

Despite the backlash, several Latin American leaders expressed support for the U.S. operation. Argentina’s President Javier Milei welcomed Maduro’s capture as a step toward freedom. El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele and Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa also indicated their approval through social media.

Global Responses

The international community has reacted with caution. China’s government issued a statement denouncing the U.S. actions as a blatant violation of international law, expressing concern over the implications for peace in the region.

• Russia reaffirmed solidarity with Venezuela and criticized the pretexts for the U.S. attack.
• European leaders called for a peaceful transition in Venezuela, with differing views on the legality of the U.S. actions.

United Nations Security Council Meeting

The U.N. Security Council is set to convene, prompted by a request from Colombia, and is supported by both Russia and China. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed alarm over the situation, emphasizing concerns regarding the respect for international law.

This unfolding crisis presents significant implications not only for Venezuela but for the broader geopolitical landscape in Latin America and beyond.