US Strikes Venezuela Live Updates: International Backlash Grows As Trump Claims Control After Maduro's Capture

The office of the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Melonia stated that "In line with Italy's long-standing position, the Government believes that external military action is not the way to end totalitarian regimes, but at the same time considers defensive intervention against hybrid attacks to its security to be legitimate, as in the case of state entities that fuel and promote drug trafficking."

Senior Democratic lawmakers accused the Trump administration of misleading Congress by denying plans for regime change. They said officials repeatedly told lawmakers there would be no invasion or overthrow.

President Trump said Congress was not fully briefed due to concerns about leaks. He said lawmakers would be updated after the operation. Republican leaders largely backed the operation, saying Maduro’s arrest was a necessary step to enforce US law and disrupt alleged drug trafficking.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK had no role in the US military action. He stressed the need to establish facts and uphold international law. BRITAIN'S REFORM UK party leader Nigel Farage told that "The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law - but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing." "I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Madrid would not recognise a US intervention that violates international law, even though Spain does not recognise Maduro’s presidency. "Spain did not recognize the Maduro regime. But neither will it recognize an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence", Sanchez wrote on X.

Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk on Sunday announced that his satellite internet service Starlink will provide free broadband access to the people of Venezuela for one month to ensure uninterrupted connectivity amid the ongoing crisis in the country. Musk shared the announcement on the social media platform X, saying the move was made "in support of the people of Venezuela."The Starlink network, which operates through a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, is expected to help maintain internet access during a period of political and security uncertainty." Reacting to the development, Musk said Venezuela could finally move toward prosperity with Maduro no longer in power. He made the comment in Spanish, writing that Venezuela can now have the prosperity it deserves. Musk's reaction did not come as a surprise, as he has been a long-time and vocal critic of the Maduro government. Over the past few years, the billionaire has repeatedly called for political change in Venezuela, blaming the country's economic collapse on government policies.

India on Saturday said it was closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela, expressing deep concern over recent developments in the country. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed India’s support for the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela and underscored the need for a peaceful resolution. “Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation,” the MEA said.

The ministry called upon all stakeholders to resolve issues through dialogue, stressing the importance of peace and stability in the region. “India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region,” the statement added.

The MEA also said the Indian Embassy in Caracas remains in touch with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance. “The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance,” it said,,

Press Release on recent developments in Venezuela ⬇️

🔗 https://t.co/PrU0nIRLiQ pic.twitter.com/jVBI5TcGMV, — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 4, 2026

South Africa called for urgent international action, urging the UN Security Council to convene over the crisis. “South Africa calls on the UN Security Council, the body mandated to maintain international peace and security, to urgently convene to address this situation,” its foreign affairs department said.

France said the military operation breached a core principle of international relations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said lasting political solutions cannot be imposed externally. “The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro violates the principle of not resorting to force, that underpins international law,” Barrot wrote on X. “No lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also reacted on this incident, "The transition to come must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people. We hope that President Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, elected in 2024, will be able to ensure this transition as quickly as possible," Macron wrote on X.

The United States lifted airspace restrictions over the Caribbean late on Saturday after barring commercial flights during a US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a post on social media platform X that the initial restrictions expired at 12:00 am (0500 GMT), when flights could resume as scheduled. "Airlines are informed, and will update their schedules quickly," Duffy said. The US Federal Aviation Administration notified commercial airlines on Saturday to avoid Caribbean airspace, citing a "potentially hazardous situation." The notice said the closure was issued due to "safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity."

China's foreign ministry said on Sunday the United States should immediately release Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife and resolve the situation in Venezuela through dialogue and negotiation. The ministry said ‌in a statement on its website that the United States should also ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, saying that their deportation violated international law and norms. China also strongly criticised the United States, saying it was shocked by Washington’s use of military force against Venezuela and the seizure of its president.

Germany urged restraint and warned against further escalation in Venezuela following the US operation. The German foreign ministry said it was essential for all parties to seek a political solution.

“We call on all involved parties to avoid an escalation of the situation and to seek ways for a political settlement,” the ministry said. “International law has to be respected. Venezuelans deserve a peaceful and democratic future.” German chancellor Friedrich Merz said the legal assessment of the U.S. operation is complex and "we will take our time" to evaluate it, adding that principles of international law must apply. He urged that "a transition to a government legitimised by elections must be ensured" and warned that "political instability must not arise in Venezuela".

Former US vice president Kamala Harris criticised President Donald Trump over the US actions in Venezuela, saying the move did not make America safer, stronger or more affordable. In a post on X, Harris described Nicolás Maduro as a “brutal, illegitimate dictator" but said that did not justify what she called an “unlawful and unwise action", warning against wars for regime change that lead to chaos and costs for American families.

She accused Trump of pursuing the operation for oil and personal power, said troops were being put at risk without clear legal authority or an exit plan, and argued that the US needed leadership focused on the rule of law, strong alliances and prioritising the American people.

Nicolas Maduro was seen wishing reporters and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents a Happy New Year and Good Night during his perp walk. The US released a video of captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in handcuffs staging the 'Perp-walk' as he was led to custody.

The US operation disrupted Caribbean air travel, with no commercial flights crossing Venezuelan airspace. Airlines cancelled hundreds of flights as the FAA imposed restrictions citing security concerns. JetBlue, American, Delta, United and Southwest issued travel waivers, warning disruptions could continue for days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly backed the US operation, congratulating President Donald Trump and praising the military action that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. “Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump for your bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice,” Netanyahu said. “I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers.”

The United Nations said the US military action against Venezuela risks undermining international law. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern, warning that the capture of a sitting head of state without UN authorisation could weaken the rules-based global order and escalate global instability.“These developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” the spokesperson added.

Maduro is charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, firearms offenses and related crimes.

Venezuela's Supreme Court has ordered that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez will assume the role of acting president.

Venezuelan foreign minister Yvan Gil has told Russia's RIA state news agency that the US attack has disrupted peace in Latin America. “Peace in Latin America was disrupted by this action,” Gil was quoted as saying by RIA.

On leadership questions, Trump said Venezuela’s vice president had been sworn in but expressed scepticism about opposition leader María Corina Machado, saying she lacked sufficient support within the country. He confirmed he had not been in contact with her and suggested she did not have the respect needed to govern. Trump also hinted that US regional policy could widen, indicating that Cuba might become a subject of discussion as tensions in Latin America rise.

Trump concluded by framing the operation as a warning to adversaries. He said the outcome should serve notice to anyone threatening American sovereignty or lives, reinforcing his administration’s readiness to act decisively beyond US borders.

Trump made it clear that the US was not ruling out a sustained military presence, stating bluntly that Washington was “not afraid of boots on the ground.” He also warned remaining allies of Maduro that the US knew who the “bad elements” of the regime were and was actively monitoring them, claiming many were now “acting differently” since the operation.

A major focus of Trump’s remarks was Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. He said the US intended to get oil production “flowing like it should be” and confirmed plans to sell large quantities of Venezuelan oil to other countries. Trump added that the US would be “reimbursed” for its involvement and that people who had been forced out of Venezuela would be taken care of as part of the transition process.

The US president asserted that Washington would temporarily take control of Venezuela’s administration, arguing there was “nobody to take over” immediately. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said, adding that it would take time to rebuild Venezuela’s battered infrastructure and stabilise the country. He said the US would oversee the process with a group of officials and confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was working on the details, including coordination with Venezuela’s vice president, whom Trump said had expressed willingness to cooperate

Trump said Maduro and his wife were taken overnight from their residence on a military base and flown out of Venezuela before being transferred to a US warship. The couple are now en route to New York, where they are expected to face criminal charges in federal court. Trump claimed Maduro had been attempting to flee to a “safe place” but was intercepted before he could escape. “I told Maduro, you’ve got to surrender. Now he wished he did,” Trump said.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday declared that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a safe transition of power is achieved, following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a covert military operation. Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump described the operation as “extremely successful” and said it marked a decisive moment in Washington’s long-running confrontation with the oil-rich South American nation.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday advised Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela as the security situation in the South American country continues to evolve rapidly. In an official advisory, the MEA urged heightened caution without detailing specific triggers, underscoring growing concerns following dramatic political and military developments.

For Indians currently in Venezuela, the ministry advised extreme vigilance, restricted movement, and regular contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas. The MEA shared emergency contact details, asking citizens to reach the embassy via email or phone, including a WhatsApp-enabled emergency number, for consular assistance and updates.,

Advisory for Venezuela ⬇️

🔗 https://t.co/vz4hBkOhVx pic.twitter.com/hzJsL3WQBL, — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 3, 2026

The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country in a stunning military operation early on Saturday. Hours after the operation, US President Donald Trump shared an image of the handcuffed and blindfolded leader on his Truth Social platform. The 63-year-old South American leader, dressed in what appeared to be a tracksuit, was seen clutching a plastic water bottle in the photo.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Machado, said in a post on X that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, whom the opposition says won the vote, "must immediately assume his constitutional mandate" as president. "Venezuelans, the HOUR OF FREEDOM has arrived!" she added.

Venezuelan migrants around the world celebrated the deposition of President Nicolas Maduro. Chants celebrating Maduro's capture were heard in the streets of Chile's capital, where Venezuelans gathered to share their joy. "We are free. We are all happy that the dictatorship has fallen and that we have a free country," said Khaty Yanez, a Venezuelan woman who has spent the last seven years in Chile.

Danish Foreign Minister said that international law must be respected, after the US struck Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro. "Dramatic development in Venezuela, which we are following closely. We need to get back on track toward de-escalation and dialogue," Rasmussen wroteon social media platform X.

US President Donald Trump said American forces suffered only a few injuries and no fatalities during the operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the mission was carefully timed, adding that the US waited four days for better weather conditions before launching the operation. He confirmed that Maduro was taken to a ship following his capture.

Trump said he is now actively deciding what comes next for Venezuela’s leadership, warning that remaining Maduro loyalists face a “bad future” if they continue to resist. He also revealed that he spoke to Maduro about a week ago, without providing details of the conversation. The US president said Washington would be “very strongly involved” in Venezuela’s oil industry going forward, claiming American oil companies would play a major role. Trump added that the US is evaluating leadership options, including whether opposition figure María Corina Machado could lead, noting that Venezuela currently has a vice president in place.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the country is not participating in any military operations in Venezuela. She said Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the Venezuelan people.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro ordered troop deployments to the Venezuelan border following the US strikes. He warned of regional instability and possible humanitarian consequences, while calling for respect for sovereignty and urgent de-escalation.

Spain urged moderation and de-escalation, stressing that all actions must comply with international law and the UN Charter. Madrid said it was willing to offer its good offices to help achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the crisis.

The United States has formally indicted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in the Southern District of New York, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed. Maduro faces charges including Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, and Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices. Bondi praised President Trump for demanding accountability and lauded the US military for executing a “highly successful mission” to capture the couple, describing them as “alleged international narco traffickers” who will now face justice in American courts.,

Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess…, — Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 3, 2026

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said nations must stand firmly against what he described as arrogant attempts by enemies to impose their will. Without directly naming the US, he said resistance and unity would ultimately defeat external pressure.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the United States had committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela, calling the situation deeply concerning and condemnable. Moscow said the justifications for the strikes were unfounded and urged immediate de-escalation through dialogue, warning against further escalation in Latin America.
Russia added that it was extremely concerned by reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were forcibly removed from the country during the US operation. The Foreign Ministry said such actions risk destabilising the region and violating principles of sovereignty.