This brief announcement was the first time the government informed key lawmakers about the raid targeting Venezuelan President  Nicolás Maduro – an operation conducted without prior parliamentary approval.
The U.S. War Department said it “assisted” at the Justice Department’s request to have the military participate in enforcing an indictment against Maduro. The U.S. administration argues that the Venezuelan leader heads a criminal organization that facilitates the trafficking of dangerous drugs into U.S. territory.
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| Smoke and flames rise after multiple large explosions in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, on January 3. Source: NDTV World |
Previously, most Democratic lawmakers, along with some Republican lawmakers, argued that attacking Venezuela without congressional approval would exceed the administration’s authority, as the U.S. Constitution grants only Congress the power to declare war.
Additionally, the Pentagon stated that the U.S. military had conducted airstrikes inside Venezuela, but asserted that these were “defensive actions aimed at opening air corridors” for U.S. forces.
* On the morning of January 3 (US time), United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” about the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela in recent months, culminating in reports of US special forces attacking and arresting President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement, UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated, “Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of tensions in Venezuela, culminating in the US military action on January 3 against the South American nation, which could have worrying consequences for the region. Regardless of the situation in Venezuela, these developments set a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General reiterates the importance of all parties fully respecting international law, including the UN Charter.” According to Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all parties involved to engage in a “comprehensive dialogue” process consistent with human rights and international law.
Earlier that day, the Venezuelan Permanent Mission to the UN sent an urgent letter to Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman of Somalia, the country holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council until January 2026, strongly condemning the “unilateral, brutal and illegal military action” by the US armed forces against the South American nation. Along with Colombia, Venezuela also requested an emergency meeting of the Security Council regarding the US attack.
According to internal sources at the UN, following quick consultations with Security Council member states, the President of the Security Council of Somalia announced that an emergency meeting of the UN’s most powerful body is scheduled for January 5th.
*US President Donald Trump has praised the military campaign in Venezuela as where “overwhelming military power in the air, on the ground, and in the navy has been used to launch a spectacular attack, an attack unlike anything seen since World War II.”
President Trump declared, “This is one of the most spectacular, effective, and powerful displays of American military strength and confidence in American history.” The White House occupant also asserted that the American strike force had “neutralized” the Venezuelan military in this operation without suffering any casualties.
The US leader affirmed that he would “govern” Venezuela during this period, “until a safe, fair, and proper transition can be achieved.”
Earlier that day, Trump had posted a photo on social media of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro being held captive on the USS Iwo Jima warship.
Many countries around the world have spoken out against the US military action in Venezuela, considering it a violation of international law and the UN Charter, while marches have taken place in many parts of the world in support of the Venezuelan people and demanding the release of President Nicolás Maduro.
On the morning of January 3 (local time), thousands of people poured into the streets of Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, to express their support for President Nicolas Maduro, who had been arrested by US special forces at his residence just hours earlier, and to demand his immediate release.
According to regional media reports, Caracas Mayor Carmen MenĂ©ndez – who called on all residents of the capital to take to the streets – joined the crowds protesting the unexpected US military action and demanding the release of the country’s leader.
The marchers carried numerous banners and chanted slogans such as: “All Venezuelans are Maduro,” “President, stay strong, we are with you,” and “This is the nation of Bolivar, Chávez, and Maduro.”
Marches involving thousands of people also took place in many other locations across Venezuela.
Many British MPs on January 3 (local time) strongly criticized the US attacks on Venezuela , and called on the British government to condemn what they consider an illegal attack on a sovereign state, violating international law.
Speaking on social media platform X, MP Zarah Sultana stated that the US attacks on Caracas were a manifestation of “naked imperialism,” aimed at overthrowing Venezuela’s legitimate government and controlling its resources. She emphasized: “The Labor government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer must unequivocally condemn this. We stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan people.”
Green Party leader Zack Polanski also called on Prime Minister Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to condemn the attack, which he described as “illegal and a violation of international human rights law,” arguing that US President Donald Trump is acting without legal accountability.
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey argued that such unlawful attacks increase global instability and risk setting a dangerous precedent in international relations.
Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn called the US airstrikes “unjustified and illegal acts of war” aimed at gaining control of Venezuela’s natural resources, and warned that these actions put the lives of millions at risk.
Several other Labour MPs, including Richard Burgon, John McDonnell, and Nadia Whittome, also condemned the US actions, emphasizing that the attacks were carried out without UN authorization, a serious violation of national sovereignty and international law.