Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has drawn stark historical parallels in condemning the United States military operation in Venezuela, comparing it to the darkest moments of American interference in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Saturday strikes that led to President Nicolás Maduro’s capture have triggered widespread international criticism.
Lula stated that the US actions crossed an unacceptable line, referencing the long history of American military interventions throughout the region over the past two centuries. He warned that attacking countries in blatant violation of international law represents a first step toward a world governed by violence, chaos, and the law of the strongest rather than multilateral cooperation.
The Brazilian president’s condemnation was echoed by other leftist leaders across South America, including Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum, and Chile’s Gabriel Boric. Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel went further, describing the attacks as “state terrorism against the Venezuelan people.”
The Trump administration has defended the operation by focusing on drug trafficking charges that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will face in New York. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the charges relate to narcotics trade, while President Trump stated the couple is aboard a ship being transported to the United States for prosecution.
The international community remains deeply divided, with the UN Secretary General warning of dangerous precedents and major powers like China and Russia issuing strong condemnations. Colombia has mobilized its military in anticipation of refugee flows from Venezuela, while analysts debate whether external military force can successfully transform Venezuelan politics or will simply perpetuate cycles of instability and authoritarian rule.