BREAKING: The U.S. has launched unprecedented airstrikes against Venezuela, marking a dramatic shift in foreign policy that is sending shockwaves across Latin America and beyond. As of January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump confirmed a military operation that reportedly includes the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The airstrikes targeted several key locations in Caracas, including a military airbase and the Venezuelan legislative building, raising alarms among neighboring countries. President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has mobilized security forces along the Colombian border, anticipating a potential influx of Venezuelan refugees. Colombia, home to the largest Venezuelan diaspora, is bracing for the humanitarian impact of this escalating crisis.
President Petro condemned the attacks, calling them a blatant aggression against both Venezuela and the broader Latin American community. He emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation in a region already fraught with political tensions.
Regional leaders are reacting swiftly. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva labeled the strikes as crossing an “unacceptable line,” warning that such actions threaten to undo decades of progress towards peace in Latin America. Lula’s statement reflects a growing unease among Latin American nations, many of which are calling for a unified response to U.S. military intervention.
In a shocking interview, Trump asserted that “something is gonna have to be done with Mexico,” further escalating tensions in the region. Mexico has joined the chorus of condemnation, calling the strikes a violation of the U.N. Charter and demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The crisis has also gathered international attention, with close allies of Venezuela, including Cuba and Nicaragua, closely monitoring developments. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. actions as “state terrorism” and called for immediate international intervention. Cuba, already grappling with its most severe economic crisis in decades, fears that the disruption in Venezuelan oil supplies could exacerbate its dire situation.
In response, Russia has expressed solidarity with Venezuela. The Russian Foreign Ministry called the U.S. actions “unacceptable,” insisting they violate Venezuelan sovereignty. Similarly, China has condemned the airstrikes, labeling them a blatant use of force against a sovereign nation and warning they could destabilize the entire region.
In light of these developments, Venezuela has requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to discuss the legality of the U.S. operation. This move underscores the potential for escalating international tensions in the wake of the airstrikes.
As the situation unfolds, the global community watches closely. The ramifications of this military intervention could reshape not only U.S.-Latin America relations but also the geopolitical landscape across the world.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story continues to evolve.
