Greek leftist opposition party, former foreign minister strongly condemn US strikes on Venezuela
'US has evolved from global sheriff to global bully,' says former Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias
Ahmet Gencturk |03.01.2026 - TRT/AA
'US has evolved from global sheriff to global bully,' says former Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias
Ahmet Gencturk |03.01.2026 - TRT/AA
Former minister of foreign affairs of Greece Nikos Kotzias
By Ahmet Gencturk
ATHENS (AA) - The Greek leftist opposition Greek Communist Party (KKE) on Saturday strongly condemned the US attacks on Venezuela.
“The imperialist intervention by the USA has the real aim of seizing the country's energy wealth and aligning the region with their economic and geopolitical interests against their rivals, Russia and China, by overthrowing the (Venezuelan President Nicolas) Maduro government,” said the party in a statement.
Saying the US used drug-trafficking accusations to legitimize its attack on Venezuela, it added: “No one forgets that during the 20-year US occupation, Afghanistan was turned into the world's largest producer and exporter of narcotics.”
The party urged the public to “collectively condemn this new imperialist intervention against Venezuela and to express their solidarity with its people.”
Separately, former Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias called the attacks "war crime and act of piracy."
"The US has evolved from global sheriff to global bully. They violate international law. They have opened Pandora's box and will not know how to close it," he said.
Earlier, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, and declared a national emergency.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US carried out a "large scale" strike, adding that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.
The attacks came after months of tension with the US, which accused Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking. Maduro denied being a cartel leader and had expressed readiness to hold talks.
By Ahmet Gencturk
ATHENS (AA) - The Greek leftist opposition Greek Communist Party (KKE) on Saturday strongly condemned the US attacks on Venezuela.
“The imperialist intervention by the USA has the real aim of seizing the country's energy wealth and aligning the region with their economic and geopolitical interests against their rivals, Russia and China, by overthrowing the (Venezuelan President Nicolas) Maduro government,” said the party in a statement.
Saying the US used drug-trafficking accusations to legitimize its attack on Venezuela, it added: “No one forgets that during the 20-year US occupation, Afghanistan was turned into the world's largest producer and exporter of narcotics.”
The party urged the public to “collectively condemn this new imperialist intervention against Venezuela and to express their solidarity with its people.”
Separately, former Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias called the attacks "war crime and act of piracy."
"The US has evolved from global sheriff to global bully. They violate international law. They have opened Pandora's box and will not know how to close it," he said.
Earlier, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, and declared a national emergency.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US carried out a "large scale" strike, adding that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.
The attacks came after months of tension with the US, which accused Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking. Maduro denied being a cartel leader and had expressed readiness to hold talks.
France says capture of Venezuelan president violates international law
'France recalls that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside and that sovereign peoples alone decide their own future,' says Jean-Noel Barrot
Burak Bir |03.01.2026 -
LONDON
France's foreign minister on Saturday said that the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro violates the principles of international law on the use of force.
On Maduro’s rule, Jean-Noel Barrot said that by seizing power from the Venezuelan people and depriving them of their fundamental freedoms, Maduro "inflicted a grave violation on their dignity and on their right to self-determination."
On the US social media company X, he said that France has consistently committed itself, notably through its mediation efforts, to upholding respect for the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people, whose voice must prevail.
However, Barrot pointed out the need to act in line with international law.
"The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro contravenes the principle of non-use of force that underpins international law," he wrote.
He said: "France recalls that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside and that sovereign peoples alone decide their own future."
Barrot also warned that the growing number of violations of this principle by nations entrusted with the primary responsibility of permanent UN Security Council membership will have "serious consequences" for global security, sparing no one.
"France is preparing for this, but cannot bring itself to accept it," he said, adding that France reiterates its commitment to the UN Charter, which must continue to guide the international action of states, "always and everywhere."
French far-right National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella criticized Maduro over "dictatorship" and "endless economic crisis," but said respect for international law and the sovereignty of states" cannot be applied selectively."
"The forcible overthrow of a government from the outside cannot constitute an acceptable response, only exacerbating the geopolitical instability of our time," he wrote on X.
Bardella said France must draw lessons from its strategic and geopolitical vulnerability, adding that it is vital to pursue a resolute effort to rearm the country, strengthen its industrial and military capabilities, and rebuild a diplomatic network "weakened by (President) Emmanuel Macron."
"At this juncture, we can only call for the Venezuelan people to be given the floor as soon as possible, so that they can emerge from this major crisis through a free, transparent, and fair democratic process," he said.
Earlier Saturday, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, and declared a national emergency.
On his social media platform Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed the "large scale" strike, adding that Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the country."
The attacks came after months of growing US pressure on Maduro, who Washington accuses of being involved in drug trafficking. The Venezuelan leader had denied the claims and expressed readiness for talks.
Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said they were "unaware" of Maduro's whereabouts, demanding the Trump administration provide "proof of life” of the president.la said France must draw lessons from its strategic and geopolitical vulnerability, adding that it is vital to pursue a resolute effort to rearm the country, strengthen its industrial and military capabilities, and rebuild a diplomatic network "weakened by (President) Emmanuel Macron."
"At this juncture, we can only call for the Venezuelan people to be given the floor as soon as possible, so that they can emerge from this major crisis through a free, transparent, and fair democratic process," he said.
Earlier Saturday, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, and declared a national emergency.
On his social media platform Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed the "large scale" strike, adding that Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the country."
The attacks came after months of growing US pressure on Maduro, who Washington accuses of being involved in drug trafficking. The Venezuelan leader had denied the claims and expressed readiness for talks.
Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said they were "unaware" of Maduro's whereabouts, demanding the Trump administration provide "proof of life” of the president.
'France recalls that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside and that sovereign peoples alone decide their own future,' says Jean-Noel Barrot
Burak Bir |03.01.2026 -
LONDON
France's foreign minister on Saturday said that the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro violates the principles of international law on the use of force.
On Maduro’s rule, Jean-Noel Barrot said that by seizing power from the Venezuelan people and depriving them of their fundamental freedoms, Maduro "inflicted a grave violation on their dignity and on their right to self-determination."
On the US social media company X, he said that France has consistently committed itself, notably through its mediation efforts, to upholding respect for the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people, whose voice must prevail.
However, Barrot pointed out the need to act in line with international law.
"The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro contravenes the principle of non-use of force that underpins international law," he wrote.
He said: "France recalls that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside and that sovereign peoples alone decide their own future."
Barrot also warned that the growing number of violations of this principle by nations entrusted with the primary responsibility of permanent UN Security Council membership will have "serious consequences" for global security, sparing no one.
"France is preparing for this, but cannot bring itself to accept it," he said, adding that France reiterates its commitment to the UN Charter, which must continue to guide the international action of states, "always and everywhere."
French far-right National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella criticized Maduro over "dictatorship" and "endless economic crisis," but said respect for international law and the sovereignty of states" cannot be applied selectively."
"The forcible overthrow of a government from the outside cannot constitute an acceptable response, only exacerbating the geopolitical instability of our time," he wrote on X.
Bardella said France must draw lessons from its strategic and geopolitical vulnerability, adding that it is vital to pursue a resolute effort to rearm the country, strengthen its industrial and military capabilities, and rebuild a diplomatic network "weakened by (President) Emmanuel Macron."
"At this juncture, we can only call for the Venezuelan people to be given the floor as soon as possible, so that they can emerge from this major crisis through a free, transparent, and fair democratic process," he said.
Earlier Saturday, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, and declared a national emergency.
On his social media platform Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed the "large scale" strike, adding that Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the country."
The attacks came after months of growing US pressure on Maduro, who Washington accuses of being involved in drug trafficking. The Venezuelan leader had denied the claims and expressed readiness for talks.
Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said they were "unaware" of Maduro's whereabouts, demanding the Trump administration provide "proof of life” of the president.la said France must draw lessons from its strategic and geopolitical vulnerability, adding that it is vital to pursue a resolute effort to rearm the country, strengthen its industrial and military capabilities, and rebuild a diplomatic network "weakened by (President) Emmanuel Macron."
"At this juncture, we can only call for the Venezuelan people to be given the floor as soon as possible, so that they can emerge from this major crisis through a free, transparent, and fair democratic process," he said.
Earlier Saturday, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, and declared a national emergency.
On his social media platform Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed the "large scale" strike, adding that Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the country."
The attacks came after months of growing US pressure on Maduro, who Washington accuses of being involved in drug trafficking. The Venezuelan leader had denied the claims and expressed readiness for talks.
Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said they were "unaware" of Maduro's whereabouts, demanding the Trump administration provide "proof of life” of the president.
Russia urges US to release Venezuela’s Maduro
Foreign Ministry urges dialogue to resolve disputes between Washington and Caracas
Alperen Aktas |03.01.2026 -
ISTANBUL
Russia on Saturday urged the US to release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were captured after a military operation, calling for dialogue to resolve disputes.
The Foreign Ministry said it was acting “in light of confirmed reports” that Maduro and his wife are in the US, urging American leadership to “reconsider this position” and to release the “legally elected president of a sovereign country and his wife.”
Russia also stressed the need to create conditions for resolving existing problems between the US and Venezuela through dialogue.
In separate statements, Moscow condemned US strikes on Venezuela as “deeply concerning and condemnable,” saying the actions amounted to armed aggression and violated international law.
The ministry also backed calls for an urgent UN Security Council meeting, warning against further escalation and reiterating that Latin America must remain a zone of peace.
US President Donald Trump earlier said Washington carried out a “large scale strike” against Venezuela and that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out of the country.
Trump said the operation was conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement.”
He later told Fox News that Washington could play a direct role in shaping Venezuela’s future following Maduro’s removal.
The US, which has accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking, also indicted him and his wife on multiple criminal charges, including narco-terrorism. Venezuela’s government has denied the accusations.
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said Caracas was unaware of Maduro’s whereabouts and demanded proof that he was alive.
Foreign Ministry urges dialogue to resolve disputes between Washington and Caracas
Alperen Aktas |03.01.2026 -
ISTANBUL
Russia on Saturday urged the US to release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were captured after a military operation, calling for dialogue to resolve disputes.
The Foreign Ministry said it was acting “in light of confirmed reports” that Maduro and his wife are in the US, urging American leadership to “reconsider this position” and to release the “legally elected president of a sovereign country and his wife.”
Russia also stressed the need to create conditions for resolving existing problems between the US and Venezuela through dialogue.
In separate statements, Moscow condemned US strikes on Venezuela as “deeply concerning and condemnable,” saying the actions amounted to armed aggression and violated international law.
The ministry also backed calls for an urgent UN Security Council meeting, warning against further escalation and reiterating that Latin America must remain a zone of peace.
US President Donald Trump earlier said Washington carried out a “large scale strike” against Venezuela and that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out of the country.
Trump said the operation was conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement.”
He later told Fox News that Washington could play a direct role in shaping Venezuela’s future following Maduro’s removal.
The US, which has accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking, also indicted him and his wife on multiple criminal charges, including narco-terrorism. Venezuela’s government has denied the accusations.
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said Caracas was unaware of Maduro’s whereabouts and demanded proof that he was alive.
US attacks and Maduro's kidnapping led to international crisis
Large-scale US airstrikes on Venezuela and the alleged detention of President Nicolas Maduro have alarmed the region; As Colombia massed troops on the border line, calls for restraint arose from Europe and the world.
MADURO'S KIDNAPPING
ANF
NEWS CENTER
Saturday, January 3, 2026
The large-scale US airstrikes on Venezuela and the statements that President Nicolas Maduro has been detained by US forces have led to a serious crisis not only in Venezuela but also in the entire region and internationally. US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were "captured and taken out of the country".
CARACAS BOMBED, STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED
On the morning of January 3, many explosions occurred in the states of Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. Eyewitnesses reported that military facilities were targeted, and electricity was cut off in large parts of the capital. It was claimed that the La Carlota military airport, the Fuerte Tiuna military complex and some air bases around the capital were hit. The Venezuelan government declared a national state of emergency after the attacks.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that the government did not have information about the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife and demanded "immediate proof of life". For his part, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced that all armed forces were mobilized throughout the country and said that Venezuela would "resist foreign military presence".
USA: "NO OTHER MILITARY STEPS ARE PLANNED"
On the US front, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was quoted as telling Republican Senator Mike Lee that Maduro was detained pending trial in the US and that "no further military steps against Venezuela are expected". According to US officials, the operation was carried out by the US military's elite special unit, Delta Force.
Following the developments, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that security forces were deployed along the Venezuelan border after the national security council meeting. Petro announced the mobilization of humanitarian aid and emergency response capacity against a possible mass influx of refugees. There is a land border of more than 2 thousand kilometers between Colombia and Venezuela.
Petro called an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, describing the attacks as "an attack on Venezuela's sovereignty".
EUROPE'S CALL FOR RESTRAINT
There were also reactions from Europe to the attacks. The Spanish Foreign Ministry called for de-escalation, restraint and respect for international law in Venezuela, declaring that Madrid is ready to mediate for a peaceful solution.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that they are closely monitoring the developments in Venezuela and said that they are collecting information about the situation of approximately 160 thousand Italian citizens living in the country. Meloni stated that they are in constant contact with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
GLOBAL REACTIONS AND ALLIES
Cuba, Iran and Russia strongly condemned the US attacks, describing them as "violation of sovereignty" and "armed aggression". Moscow stated that Washington's step dangerously erodes international law. It was reminded that China and Russia maintain economic and strategic relations with Venezuela, while Cuba and Nicaragua are Caracas' closest allies in the region.
"IT IS UNCLEAR WHAT WILL HAPPEN": CIVIL WAR WARNING
Experts believe that Maduro's detention will not automatically guarantee a political transition in the country. According to analysts, the military may not be willing to hand over control without prior negotiations. Although Maria Corina Machado, a prominent figure in the opposition, is portrayed as a possible Western-backed alternative, a significant part of the opposition also opposes US intervention.
Experts warn that if the current situation continues, Venezuela could face the risk of civil war or a protracted devastating conflict. This move by the USA is considered the largest military escalation in Latin America since the Cold War.
Large-scale US airstrikes on Venezuela and the alleged detention of President Nicolas Maduro have alarmed the region; As Colombia massed troops on the border line, calls for restraint arose from Europe and the world.
MADURO'S KIDNAPPING
ANF
NEWS CENTER
Saturday, January 3, 2026
The large-scale US airstrikes on Venezuela and the statements that President Nicolas Maduro has been detained by US forces have led to a serious crisis not only in Venezuela but also in the entire region and internationally. US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were "captured and taken out of the country".
CARACAS BOMBED, STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED
On the morning of January 3, many explosions occurred in the states of Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. Eyewitnesses reported that military facilities were targeted, and electricity was cut off in large parts of the capital. It was claimed that the La Carlota military airport, the Fuerte Tiuna military complex and some air bases around the capital were hit. The Venezuelan government declared a national state of emergency after the attacks.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that the government did not have information about the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife and demanded "immediate proof of life". For his part, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced that all armed forces were mobilized throughout the country and said that Venezuela would "resist foreign military presence".
USA: "NO OTHER MILITARY STEPS ARE PLANNED"
On the US front, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was quoted as telling Republican Senator Mike Lee that Maduro was detained pending trial in the US and that "no further military steps against Venezuela are expected". According to US officials, the operation was carried out by the US military's elite special unit, Delta Force.
Following the developments, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that security forces were deployed along the Venezuelan border after the national security council meeting. Petro announced the mobilization of humanitarian aid and emergency response capacity against a possible mass influx of refugees. There is a land border of more than 2 thousand kilometers between Colombia and Venezuela.
Petro called an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, describing the attacks as "an attack on Venezuela's sovereignty".
EUROPE'S CALL FOR RESTRAINT
There were also reactions from Europe to the attacks. The Spanish Foreign Ministry called for de-escalation, restraint and respect for international law in Venezuela, declaring that Madrid is ready to mediate for a peaceful solution.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that they are closely monitoring the developments in Venezuela and said that they are collecting information about the situation of approximately 160 thousand Italian citizens living in the country. Meloni stated that they are in constant contact with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
GLOBAL REACTIONS AND ALLIES
Cuba, Iran and Russia strongly condemned the US attacks, describing them as "violation of sovereignty" and "armed aggression". Moscow stated that Washington's step dangerously erodes international law. It was reminded that China and Russia maintain economic and strategic relations with Venezuela, while Cuba and Nicaragua are Caracas' closest allies in the region.
"IT IS UNCLEAR WHAT WILL HAPPEN": CIVIL WAR WARNING
Experts believe that Maduro's detention will not automatically guarantee a political transition in the country. According to analysts, the military may not be willing to hand over control without prior negotiations. Although Maria Corina Machado, a prominent figure in the opposition, is portrayed as a possible Western-backed alternative, a significant part of the opposition also opposes US intervention.
Experts warn that if the current situation continues, Venezuela could face the risk of civil war or a protracted devastating conflict. This move by the USA is considered the largest military escalation in Latin America since the Cold War.
Governments across Latin America, Europe and beyond respond after Washington says it carried out military strikes in Venezuela and detained its president
Outlook News Desk
Curated by: Saher Hiba Khan
Updated on: 3 January 2026
US President Donald Trump said Washington had launched a “large scale strike” against Venezuela and detained its leader in an operation conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement”. Photo: Cristian Hernandez
Summary of this article
The US says it carried out strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro.
Venezuela has condemned the action as a serious military aggression and violation of sovereignty.
Countries including Colombia, Cuba, Russia, Iran and EU members have reacted, many calling for restraint and respect for international law.
The United States carried out strikes inside Venezuela early on Saturday and claimed it had captured President Nicolás Maduro, triggering sharp reactions from governments across Latin America, Europe and beyond, according to Al-Jazeera.
US President Donald Trump said Washington had launched a “large scale strike” against Venezuela and detained its leader in an operation conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement”. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Maduro and his wife had been “captured and flown out of the country”.
Al-Jazeera reported that US media outlets, including Fox News and CBS News, also cited American officials as saying strikes had been carried out on Venezuelan territory, marking a dramatic escalation after weeks of tension.
Washington’s Move Ignites Fear Of War With Venezuela
In a statement posted on X, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Venezuela was entering a “new dawn”. “The tyrant is gone. He will now — finally — face justice for his crimes,” Landau wrote.
Maduro’s government rejected the claims and accused Washington of a serious violation of international law. In an initial statement, it described the action as an “extremely serious military aggression” against Venezuelan territory and people.
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“Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,” the statement said.
According to Al-Jazeera, the developments prompted immediate responses from regional allies and global powers.
In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro said he was alerting the international community to the attack. Writing on X, he said Colombia reiterated its belief that peace, respect for international law, and the protection of life and human dignity must prevail over armed confrontation. In a separate post, Petro said Colombia “rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America”. He later announced the deployment of military forces to the Venezuelan border.
Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez issued a strongly worded condemnation, accusing the United States of a “criminal attack” and calling for an urgent international response. In a post on X, Díaz-Canel said Cuba’s “zone of peace” was being “brutally assaulted” and described the US action as “state terrorism” directed at Venezuela and “Our America”. He ended his message with the slogan: “Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome.” Cuban embassies worldwide also released a statement denouncing the attack and demanding an urgent reaction from the international community.
Iran’s foreign ministry said it “strongly condemns the American military attack on Venezuela and the flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country”.
Russia said it was deeply concerned by what it called an “act of armed aggression” by the United States. The Russian foreign ministry urged restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation, saying Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without external military intervention. Moscow also reaffirmed its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and support for the country’s leadership in defending national sovereignty.
Within the United States, Republican Senator Mike Lee said the military operation had concluded with Maduro in US custody. Writing on X after what he said was a telephone conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Lee said the administration anticipated no further action in Venezuela and that Maduro would face criminal charges in the United States.
In Europe, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she had spoken with Rubio and the EU ambassador in Caracas. “The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela,” she said, reiterating that the bloc considers Maduro to lack legitimacy but stressing that international law and the UN Charter must be respected. She added that the safety of EU citizens remained a priority.
Spain called for de-escalation, moderation and respect for international law, offering to act as a mediator to help find a peaceful solution.
"Spain is willing to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful solution", said the Spanish Foreign Mnistry.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was closely monitoring developments, particularly to gather information about Italian nationals in Venezuela. She said she remained in constant contact with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Around 160,000 Italians live in Venezuela, most holding dual citizenship.
Al-Jazeera reported that reactions continued to emerge as governments assessed the implications of the US action and the uncertainty surrounding Venezuela’s leadership.
(With inputs from Al-Jazeera)
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