Miguel Gutierrez / EPA
Fires in Caracas after US attacks
Several states criticize the US attack and speak of violations of international law. Portugal says it is monitoring the situation.
Several international leaders have already publicly commented on the Venezuelan capital and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Last dawn, they were several explosions heard in Caracas following bombings carried out by the United States. Venezuelan authorities have not yet confirmed the number of victims of the attacks.
Donald Trump said that the North American operation resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, who were removed from Venezuela.
To Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed not knowing the whereabouts of Maduro and demanded immediate proof of the life of the head of state and his wife from the United States.
Portugal with no reports of Portuguese injuries
Portugal is “ monitor the situation in Venezuela to the minute”, a Government source told Lusa. According to the same source, the Portuguese authorities are in contact with the embassy in Caracas and with several European governments.
In a note published on the website of the Presidency of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also says that he is “monitoring the situation in Venezuela in conjunction with the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs”.
The Portuguese Government states that there is, to date, no indications that Portuguese citizens have been affected by US airstrikes.
“So far we have no indication that the Portuguese community is being affected”, said an official source.
The Portuguese consulates general in the Venezuelan capital and in Valencia provided “channels intended for urgent situations“, namely telephone contacts, email or via the Whatsapp messaging platform, “reinforcing the commitment of the Portuguese State to the protection and assistance” of national citizens.
Venezuela is home to one of the largest Portuguese communities in the diaspora, being the second largest in Latin America, after Brazil.
Colombia requests OAS meeting
One of the first leaders to react was the Colombian President, Gustavo Petrowho denounced the missile attack against Caracas, and called for an “immediate” meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS).
“General Alert, they attacked Venezuela”, wrote the Colombian President, close to Maduro, stressing that both the OAS and the UN “must speak out on the “international legality” of this “aggression” against the neighboring country.
On Friday, the Colombian President had already warned that a North American missile had hit a target in the Venezuelan region of Alta Guajira, which borders Colombia.
Cuba talks about state terrorism
Cuba has also condemned American actions. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez accuses Washington of carrying out a “criminal attack” and of committing “state terrorism” against the Venezuelan people and Latin America. Havana also demands an “urgent reaction from the international community”.
Russia calls for dialogue
Russia condemned the “military aggression” of the United States of America against Venezuela and called for dialogue to avoid a further escalation of violence in the region.
“In the current situation, it is above all crucial avoid further escalation and find a way out through dialogue”, reads a statement issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Russian Government emphasizes that “Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any military intervention destruction coming from abroad.”
“We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for their leadership’s policy of defending national interests and the country’s sovereignty,” he added.
Iran criticizes violation of sovereignty
Iran, Venezuela’s ally, strongly condemned “the American military attack on Venezuela and the flagrant violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country”.
Iran’s Foreign Minister further demanded that the UN Security Council “act immediately to stop illegal aggression” and hold those responsible accountable.
EU criticizes Maduro
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, stated that she is “closely monitoring the situation” and said that she spoke with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
“The EU has repeatedly stated that the Mr. Maduro has no legitimacy and advocated a peaceful transition. In all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for moderation. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority,” he said.
Spain offers to mediate
The Spanish Government offered to mediate the crisis between Venezuela and the United States. “THE Spain calls for de-escalation and to moderation and to always act in respect for International Law”, declared the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
Spanish diplomacy stated, “in this regard (…) willing to offer your good offices to reach a peaceful and negotiated solution to the current crisis”.
Spain “has welcomed and will continue to welcome tens of thousands of Venezuelans forced to leave their country for political reasons and (…) is willing to help in the search for a democratic, negotiated and peaceful solution for the country”, the ministry also said.
Italy follows closely
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was “closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela”, with special concern for the immigrant community in the country. Meloni added that he was in constant contact with the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani. Remember that approx. 160 thousand Italians currently live in Venezuela.
Argentina celebrates freedom
Known for being a close ally of Donald Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei expressed his support for the United States’ intervention. On social media, Milei republished news about the attack with the caption “freedom advanceslong live freedom.”
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