US Accused of Military Aggression Against Venezuela; Maduro Reportedly Captured
In a controversial development, Venezuela has accused the United States of carrying out what it terms a grave military aggression
against the country. The U.S. operation reportedly resulted in the capture of Venezuela's President, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife. The development has elicited strong reactions, with numerous countries around the world condemning the actions of the U.S.
Context and Developments
Venezuela alleged that multiple explosions struck Caracas, the country's capital, and other regions, purportedly resulting from a military operation by the United States. Following these developments, Venezuela declared a state of emergency. The U.S. President, Donald Trump, later confirmed the actions, stating that Maduro and his wife had been captured.
According to the Folha de S.Paulo, the action by the U.S. is being seen as a clear violation of international law, which prohibits a country from attacking another barring two exceptions: an immediate legitimate defense against suffered aggression, or with the approval of the United Nations Security Council. Neither of these exceptions seem to apply in the current situation, leading to the operation being termed as illegal.
Reactions and Condemnations
The U.S. military strikes have sparked swift and sharp condemnation from several governments, including Iran and Russia, who have denounced the violation of Venezuela's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iran's Foreign Ministry and Russia's Foreign Ministry have issued statements strongly condemning the U.S. military aggression against Venezuela.
Countries like Cuba and Colombia have also expressed strong concern over the U.S. attack. Additionally, the Brazilian government released a statement strongly condemning the 'military aggression' by the United States against Venezuela.
Statements from the foreign ministries of several countries have characterized Washington's action as an attempt to change power in the country and a violation of international peace and security.
Implications of the Attacks
The consequences of the U.S. aggression are far-reaching and potentially destabilizing. The capture of Maduro is seen as an act of defense against drug trafficking by Trump, but international observers believe it has profound geopolitical and economic significance.
The Tehran Times posits that Washington's actions undermine the principles of sovereignty and self-determination, spreading instability across Latin America. It also suggests that the operation can be seen as a manifestation of raw power politics where might is imposed over right.
In the U.S., the operation in Venezuela has received mixed reactions. While some House GOP critics have questioned the legality of the strikes, others have applauded the Trump administration's action.
Current Status
The situation remains tense, with the Venezuelan government calling on the United Nations Security Council to address what it perceives as a colonial war intended to destroy its republican form of government. On the other hand, U.S. President Trump has yet to answer questions about the CIA's role in the attack or whether American troops would be deployed to Venezuela.
As the international community awaits the UN's response, the attack on Venezuela serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and potential volatility of international relations, particularly in a region with a history of U.S. interventions.