The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces has been condemned as an illegal and destabilising act, drawing comparisons to the 1989 invasion of Panama. The coup, which took place this week, has alarmed world leaders and raised fears of further US military intervention, particularly in Iran.
US President Donald Trump justified the action as necessary to stem drug trafficking and illegal migration, but critics accuse him of seeking to secure Venezuela's oil reserves and reassert the Monroe doctrine. The operation follows months of economic pressure and maritime attacks on alleged drug traffickers.
Regional responses have been sharply critical. Colombia's president, Gustavo Petro, expressed outrage, while Cuba and Panama fear they could be next. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has long advocated for regime change in Havana, adding to tensions.
Iran condemned the coup, and Russia's Vladimir Putin may view the removal of his ally with mixed feelings. China's Xi Jinping could see a precedent for actions against Taiwan. The UK and EU have been urged to unequivocally condemn the violation of international norms.
Inside Venezuela, the decapitated government faces potential resistance and civil unrest. Reports of civilian casualties remain unconfirmed. The return of exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado is seen as unlikely to restore full democracy quickly.
The operation challenges the rules-based international order and raises questions about US intentions in other hotspots, including Ukraine and the Middle East. Trump's self-styled image as a peacemaker is under serious doubt.
