The Digest:
The US military operation in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro have triggered a sharp and divided response from world powers, highlighting a deep geopolitical rift over sovereignty, international law, and the use of military force.
Key Points:
- China and Russia led strong condemnations, with Beijing calling it "hegemonic behaviour" and Moscow demanding Maduro's immediate release. France criticized the action as contravening international law.
- Latin American giants Brazil and Mexico slammed the strike as a "serious affront" to sovereignty that threatens regional peace.
- Italy's Prime Minister defended the action as legitimate "defence" against state-sponsored drug trafficking, while Germany's Chancellor acknowledged Maduro's problematic rule but stressed the "complex" legality of the US move.
- The United Kingdom and Turkey urged all parties to act with restraint and uphold international law, with the UK clarifying it was not involved in the operation.
- The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday at Venezuela's request to discuss the crisis.
- The reactions underscore a broader conflict between the US and its allies and a coalition of states viewing the operation as a dangerous precedent of unilateral military intervention.
Sources: Channels Television, AFP, CNN
