U.S. raids Venezuela and captures Maduro; multiple countries strongly condemn the action.

A massive fire broke out at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military base, after it was bombed, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. (AFP)

The United States carried out large-scale strikes against Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, prompting strong condemnation from multiple countries.

Loud explosions were heard in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, January 3. U.S. media later cited unnamed sources reporting that Maduro had been captured by U.S. Army Delta Force special operations troops.

According to reports, the Delta Force previously carried out the 2019 mission that resulted in the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the top leader of the Islamic State group.

On the same day, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated on social media that at least 10 Venezuelan targets—including the National Assembly building, central Caracas, and El Alto International Airport—had been bombed. The mountain barracks in Catia La Mar and the Igualito helicopter military base were among those destroyed.

Petro expressed deep concern over the explosions and unusual aerial activity in Venezuela, as well as the resulting escalation of regional tensions, and called for the United Nations and the Organization of American States to immediately convene emergency meetings to address the situation. He added that Colombia opposes any unilateral military action that could heighten tensions or endanger civilians.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel also condemned the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a “crime” and urged the international community to take urgent action.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez strongly denounced the U.S. “military aggression” against Venezuela, stating that Washington’s military operation “is a despicable act against a country that has never invaded the United States or any other nation.”

Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Federation Council (the upper house of parliament), wrote on social media that the U.S. strike on Venezuela violates international law and will be condemned by the overwhelming majority of the global community. He noted that Venezuela poses no threat to the United States, rendering the current U.S. military action entirely unjustified.

“The violation of international law is evident,” he said, adding that the vast majority of the world will decisively condemn it.