UPDATE: The U.S. has launched airstrikes against Venezuela, escalating tensions across Latin America and triggering urgent responses from regional leaders. The strikes, confirmed as targeting key military installations in Caracas, represent the most significant U.S. intervention in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
Just hours ago, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia announced the deployment of security forces along the border to brace for a potential influx of Venezuelan refugees. Colombia, which hosts the largest Venezuelan diaspora, is preparing for a humanitarian crisis as the situation unfolds.
The airstrikes have raised alarms among neighboring countries. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil condemned the U.S. actions, labeling them as crossing an “unacceptable line” and setting a “dangerous precedent” for Latin America. Lula emphasized that these actions evoke “the worst moments of interference” in the region and pose a threat to its peace.
In a dramatic escalation, Maduro has reportedly been captured amid these airstrikes. President Petro confirmed multiple strikes, including on a military airbase and Venezuela’s legislative building, and condemned the attacks as outright aggression against Venezuela and Latin America.
The reaction from other regional powers has been swift. Mexico has denounced the strikes as a violation of the U.N. Charter, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. In a statement, Mexican officials urged diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation.
The crisis has also drawn strong reactions from close Venezuelan allies. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel labeled the U.S. actions as “state terrorism,” demanding urgent international intervention. Cuba, facing its worst economic crisis in decades, heavily relies on Venezuelan oil, and any disruptions could exacerbate its dire situation.
On the global stage, responses from Russia and China have emerged. Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes, asserting solidarity with the Venezuelan people. They called the justification for the U.S. attack unfounded, declaring it an “unacceptable assault” on Venezuela’s sovereignty.
China has also voiced strong opposition, describing the U.S. actions as a violation of international law. Beijing’s foreign ministry expressed being “deeply shocked” by what it termed Washington’s “blatant use of force,” arguing that it threatens peace and security in the entire Latin American region.
As the situation continues to unfold, Venezuela has called for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting to discuss the legality of the U.S. operation. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, and further diplomatic fallout is likely in the coming days.
With tensions escalating rapidly, citizens across Latin America are watching closely. The ramifications of these airstrikes could reshape international relations in the region for years to come. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
