Mexico Condemns US Military Intervention in Venezuela, Citing UN Charter Violation

Mexico Rejects US Military Action in Venezuela

Mexico has issued a strong condemnation of the United States' recent military intervention in Venezuela, which culminated in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2026. The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum and the ruling Morena party, asserted that the actions constitute a 'clear violation of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations'.

President Sheinbaum, through a statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and on her social media, specifically referenced Article 2, paragraph 4, of the UN Charter. This article mandates that 'Members of the Organization shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations'.

Details of the US Intervention

The US military operation, reportedly codenamed 'Operation Absolute Resolve', involved airstrikes across northern Venezuela, including areas around the capital, Caracas. US President Donald Trump announced the capture of Maduro and stated that the US would 'run' Venezuela temporarily to 'get the oil flowing'. This intervention followed months of US military buildup in the Caribbean, ostensibly aimed at combating drug trafficking, and included a naval blockade of sanctioned oil tankers. Maduro and Flores were subsequently flown to New York to face federal charges related to drug trafficking.

Mexico's Stance on International Law and Sovereignty

Mexico's condemnation is rooted in its long-standing foreign policy principles, which prioritize non-intervention, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for international law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that 'Latin America and the Caribbean is a zone of peace, built on the foundation of mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the prohibition of the use and threat of force'. Therefore, any military action is seen as seriously jeopardizing regional stability.

Carolina Rangel, Secretary General of the Morena party, echoed the condemnation, highlighting the potential risks to civilians and the peace of the entire continent. Mexico has urged the United Nations to 'act immediately to help de-escalate tensions' and facilitate dialogue to find a peaceful and sustainable solution.

Broader International Reactions

The US military intervention has drawn widespread international reactions. The UN Secretary-General expressed deep alarm over the escalation and concern that international law had not been respected. Several other nations, including Canada, Cuba, and Brazil, also condemned the US actions, with Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva describing them as 'a most serious affront to Venezuela's sovereignty' and a dangerous precedent for the international community.