Spain and Five Latin American Nations Condemn US Military Action in Venezuela

International Outcry Follows US Operation in Venezuela

Spain and five Latin American nations—Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay—have issued a joint statement strongly condemning a unilateral US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The condemnation came on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following the US military actions that began with strikes on January 3 and culminated in the detention of the Venezuelan leaders on Saturday, January 4.

Joint Statement Cites Violations of International Law

The six nations expressed 'deep concern and rejection' of the military actions, asserting that they 'contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition of the use and threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations'. The joint communique warned that such actions constitute 'an extremely dangerous precedent for peace and regional security' and 'put the civilian population at risk'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, along with the leaders of the five Latin American countries, emphasized that the crisis in Venezuela 'must be resolved exclusively through peaceful means, through dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law'.

US Justifies Action with Narco-Terrorism Charges

The US military operation, which involved strikes on Venezuelan military sites and the subsequent capture of President Maduro and First Lady Flores, was reportedly ordered by US President Donald Trump. US authorities stated that Maduro and his wife were captured and transported to New York, where they are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. They face federal charges related to narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons charges, which Maduro has denied. The US has characterized its actions as a 'law enforcement' operation rather than an act of war. However, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López denounced the operation, reporting that it resulted in the deaths of a significant number of Maduro's security personnel, soldiers, and civilians. Reports also indicate that 32 Cuban nationals were killed during the operation.

Calls for Dialogue and UN Intervention

The joint statement from Spain and the Latin American nations also voiced concern over 'any attempt at governmental control, administration, or external appropriation of natural or strategic resources' in Venezuela, deeming such moves incompatible with international law and a threat to regional stability. The signatories urged the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and member states to contribute to the de-escalation of tensions and the preservation of regional peace. The UN Security Council was scheduled to hold an emergency session to discuss the developments. Other nations, including Russia and China, have also forcefully denounced the US military operation, with China charging Washington with a 'clear violation of international law'.