Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark military warning to Colombia, following a dramatic operation that saw Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro captured and extradited to face serious charges in an American court.
US Asserts Control in Venezuela
The extraordinary events unfolded on Monday 5 January 2026, as Nicolas Maduro was scheduled to appear before a New York court. He faces allegations related to drug trafficking and weapons charges. In the wake of the raid, Donald Trump declared that the United States was now 'in charge' of Venezuela and issued direct warnings to the country's new acting president.
Trump's rhetoric escalated further, with a direct threat of military action against neighbouring Colombia. The nature of the grievance against Colombia was not explicitly detailed in the initial statements, but the threat marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.
International Condemnation and Casualties
The US-led operation has triggered a swift and angry international response. Protests erupted in several Asian capitals, including Manila and Seoul, where demonstrators rallied to condemn the action as a blatant attack on Venezuela's national sovereignty.
China's foreign minister was sharply critical, stating that no single nation should presume to act as the 'world's judge' and emphasising the fundamental importance of protecting national sovereignty. Meanwhile, the Cuban government confirmed a significant human cost, announcing that 32 of its citizens were killed during the raid. Havana identified the deceased as armed forces and intelligence personnel who were present in Venezuela.
Regional Stability in the Balance
The capture of a sitting head of state and the subsequent military threats towards another nation represent an unprecedented shift in hemispheric relations. Analysts are deeply concerned about the potential for further instability in South America. The situation places allied governments in a difficult position and raises profound questions about the future application of international law.
With Maduro's legal proceedings just beginning in New York and a volatile political vacuum in Venezuela, the region braces for the next developments. The combination of judicial action, military posturing, and global diplomatic fallout creates a highly combustible scenario for the start of 2026.
