SANTO DOMINGO – Governments in Latin America and other regions of the world reacted with mixed opinions on Saturday to the version of events disseminated by US President Donald Trump regarding the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a US military operation in Venezuela, according to reports from international news agencies such as Reuters and Associated Press.
In Latin America, several governments expressed their rejection of the military operation and called for a de-escalation.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the use of force and maintained that preserving sovereignty and international law is essential for regional stability, according to a report by the EFE news agency.
Similarly, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described the intervention as a serious violation of the principle of non-intervention, according to statements reported by Reuters.
From Colombia, President Gustavo Petro expressed concern about the humanitarian and political consequences of unilateral military action and reiterated the need for a negotiated political solution, the Associated Press reported.
Chile, for its part, called for respect for international law and avoided supporting any armed action against a sovereign state, according to regional media reports cited by AP.
In contrast, Argentina adopted a different stance. President Javier Milei publicly celebrated Maduro's capture in messages posted on social media, interpreting the event as a political turning point in Venezuela, according to Reuters and Argentine media.
Caribbean countries have also distanced themselves. The government of Trinidad and Tobago stated that it does not participate in or support the military operation and reiterated its interest in maintaining peaceful relations with Venezuela, according to the Associated Press.
Outside the region, Russia and China condemned the US action. Moscow called the operation an act of aggression against a sovereign state, while Beijing expressed deep concern about the impact on regional stability, according to official statements cited by Reuters.
The international reaction comes amid high levels of uncertainty and although Trump claimed that Maduro was captured and taken into US custody, international agencies warn that details about his whereabouts and legal status remain without independent verification, a key element in the diplomatic interpretation of the case.
Meanwhile, international organizations and several governments have called for prudence, transparency and respect for international law, in the face of a crisis that threatens to reshape the political and security balance in Latin America and the Caribbean.
