Protests Erupt in Buenos Aires Against US Actions in Venezuela and Maduro's Capture

Demonstrations Condemn US Intervention

On Monday, January 6, 2026, hundreds of Argentinians converged on the United States Embassy in Buenos Aires to voice their strong condemnation of recent US military intervention in Venezuela. The protest specifically targeted the US operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2026. Demonstrators, including political, labor, social, student, and human rights organizations, rallied near the embassy, criticizing what they described as an act of aggression and a violation of international law.

Details of 'Operation Absolute Resolve'

The US military action, codenamed 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' commenced in the early hours of January 3, 2026. During this operation, US forces launched large-scale military strikes on Venezuela's capital, Caracas, and surrounding areas. President Donald Trump announced that US forces had captured Maduro and Flores, who were subsequently transported to New York City. There, they were arraigned on charges including narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns. Both Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to the charges. The US government justified the operation as a law-enforcement action supported by military force.

International Outcry and Legal Concerns

The US actions have drawn significant international criticism. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm, stating that the developments 'constitute a dangerous precedent' and emphasized the importance of respecting international law. Numerous international law experts and human rights organizations have also condemned the operation, asserting that it violates the prohibition on the use of force under international law and Venezuela's sovereignty. Latin American congressmen have boosted a multinational parliamentary declaration condemning the US aggression and demanding the release of Maduro and Flores. However, the Argentine government, while facing internal protests, reportedly led a bloc to prevent a unanimous statement from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) condemning Washington's actions.

Broader Context of US-Venezuela Tensions

The capture of Maduro follows a period of escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. In March 2020, the US Justice Department had indicted Maduro on cocaine-trafficking conspiracy charges. More recently, since September 2025, the US had been conducting military strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, part of a broader pressure campaign against the Maduro government. Following Maduro's capture, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, and Venezuela declared a national state of emergency.