EU calls for restraint as US strikes Venezuela, Maduro captured

BRUSSELS-(MaraviPost)-The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has called for restraint and respect for international law following the US strikes in Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro was captured.

Kallas emphasized that the EU has repeatedly stated Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition.

In a statement, Kallas said she had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU’s ambassador in Caracas, ensuring the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela is the bloc’s top priority.

“Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected,” she urged.

The EU’s position comes after US President Donald Trump announced the capture of Maduro and his wife, flown out of the country.

Venezuela’s government denounced the “military aggression” by the US, declaring a national emergency.

International reactions

  • Mexico condemned the US operation, calling for UN intervention and respect for international law.
  • Colombia urged de-escalation, prioritizing regional peace.
  • Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa supported the US action, labeling Maduro a “narcochavista”.

The EU has not recognized Maduro’s disputed 2024 election victory, imposing sanctions on Venezuelan officials for undermining democracy.

European Council President Antonio Costa echoed Kallas’ call for de-escalation, emphasizing respect for international law and UN principles.


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Maduro ousted: US forces capture Venezuelan leader, flies him out of country

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States has carried out a “large scale” strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, stating that the operation was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement.

According to Trump, Maduro and his wife have been “captured and flown out of the country”.

The Venezuelan government has confirmed that Maduro and his wife are missing, with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanding “proof of life”.

The strikes, which began around 2 a.m. local time, targeted multiple locations across northern Venezuela, including the capital city of Caracas.

Reports indicate that at least seven explosions were heard, and low-flying aircraft were seen in various parts of the city.

The US has accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and rigging the 2024 presidential election.

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has denied these allegations, claiming that the US is attempting to take control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.

The operation is reportedly part of Operation Southern Spear, a US military campaign targeting alleged criminal networks in Venezuela.

The US has deployed significant military assets to the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.

Venezuelan opposition sources suggest that Maduro’s capture may be a “negotiated exit” with the US.

However, the Venezuelan government has denounced the military aggression, declaring a state of emergency and vowing to resist.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that Maduro and his wife will face charges related to narcoterrorism in the US.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the US.

Trump is scheduled to hold a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to provide further details on the operation.


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