US allies express alarm over Venezuela operation, while Trump supporters Italy and Israel back the move. China, Russia, and Iran lead condemnation
PARIS: The US military assault on Caracas to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has drawn alarm from many allies but applause from some supporters of Donald Trump.
Trump stated the United States would “run” Venezuela and access its vast oil reserves, with Maduro and his wife flown to New York to face drug-trafficking and weapons charges.
Longstanding Maduro allies China, Russia, and Iran swiftly condemned the operation, with the European Union also expressing deep concern.
However, Italy and Israel, whose leaders strongly back Trump, offered more supportive reactions.
China demanded Maduro’s “immediate release”, calling the operation a “clear violation of international law”.
Russia urged the US to “reconsider its position and release the legally elected president”.
North Korea denounced the capture as a “serious encroachment of sovereignty”.
Iran “strongly condemns the US military attack on Venezuela and a flagrant violation of the country’s national sovereignty”.
Mexico said the action “seriously jeopardises regional stability”.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called it an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America that would cause a humanitarian crisis.
Cuba denounced “state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people”.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the operation undermined international law.
President Emmanuel Macron later said Venezuelans “can only rejoice” at Maduro’s overthrow.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the intervention “violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty”.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for “restraint” while emphasising Maduro “lacks legitimacy”.
The EU later issued a statement signed by all member states except Hungary stressing that respecting the Venezuelan people’s will was the only path to democracy.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will “shed no tears” about the demise of Maduro’s “regime”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued the US action was “legitimate” and “defensive”.
Meloni said she spoke with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado about a transition, agreeing Maduro’s removal opens a “new chapter”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the US’s “strong action” to “restore freedom and justice”.
Ukraine’s foreign minister backed “democracy, human rights, and the interests of Venezuelans”.
South Africa said the “unlawful, unilateral force” undermines international stability.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “deeply alarmed”, warning it could “constitute a dangerous precedent”.
Pope Leo XIV said the “welfare of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail”.
