European nations expressed “great concern” after U.S. attacks in Venezuela on Saturday, while Russia and Iran sharply condemned U.S. aggression.
The U.S. has struck Venezuela in a “large-scale attack” and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, who have been taken out of the country, President Donald Trump said on Saturday.
Russia condemned the U.S. military action, saying there was no tenable justification for the attack and that "ideological hostility" had prevailed over diplomacy.
"This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism," it added.
Iran said: “The military intervention by the United States against an independent state and member of the United Nations constitutes a clear violation of the principles of the U.N. Charter as well as fundamental rules of international law.”
This "aggressive act" should be condemned immediately and unequivocally, the ministry added.
Venezuela is considered one of the closest international allies of Iran. The two states both pursue a foreign policy that sees the U.S. as an adversary, and also maintain intensive economic and military cooperation through secret channels.
Germany’s foreign ministry said it was watching the situation in Venezuela with great concern and a crisis team was to meet later for further discussion.
A written communication obtained by Reuters said the ministry was in close contact with the embassy in Caracas and a crisis team would meet later on Saturday.
Spain called for de-escalation, moderation and respect for international law in Venezuela, the Spanish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
It also offered itself as a negotiator to help find a peaceful solution in Venezuela.
Italy’s foreign ministry said it was monitoring the situation in Venezuela with particular attention to the Italian community. It was Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was constantly informed.
Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he ordered the deployment of military forces to the Venezuelan border.
Petro described Washington's actions as an "assault on the sovereignty" of Latin America and said they would result in a humanitarian crisis.
