Russia, China, Iran Condemn US Military Action and Capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela

US Military Operation Leads to Maduro's Capture

In a dramatic development, Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured on January 3, 2026, during a US military operation in Caracas. The operation, reportedly named 'Absolute Resolve,' involved military strikes and the deployment of US forces. Following their capture, Maduro and Flores were transported to New York to face charges. US President Donald Trump announced the capture, stating that the United States would 'run' Venezuela until a safe and judicious transition of power could be achieved. US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Maduro and Flores have been indicted on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. These charges build upon a 2020 indictment against Maduro for his alleged role in leading the 'Cartel of the Suns' drug trafficking cartel.

Widespread International Condemnation

The US action has drawn immediate and strong condemnation from several nations, particularly Russia, China, and Iran, who labeled it a blatant violation of Venezuela's sovereignty and international law. The Russian Foreign Ministry described the US actions as 'deeply concerning and condemnable' and an 'act of armed aggression,' demanding Maduro's immediate release. Similarly, China's Foreign Ministry expressed 'deep shock' and 'strong condemnation' of the 'blatant use of force against a sovereign state,' asserting that it 'clearly violated international law.' Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for resistance against the US, while Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the operation as an 'act of aggression' and a 'flagrant violation' of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The international outcry extended to the United Nations, where Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the US had violated the UN Charter, expressing deep alarm and calling the incident a 'dangerous precedent.' An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was convened at the request of Colombia, Russia, and China, during which numerous nations voiced their opposition to the US military intervention. Legal experts and some US allies have also criticized the operation, questioning its legality under international law.

Background and Geopolitical Implications

The United States has long refused to recognize Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader, intensifying a pressure campaign that included sanctions and support for opposition figures. The recent military operation marks the most assertive American action aimed at regime change in Latin America since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Maduro, who pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court, maintained his innocence, stating, 'I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.' The incident has further heightened geopolitical tensions, with Russia, China, and Iran viewing it as a dangerous precedent that undermines the principles of national sovereignty and non-intervention in international affairs.